HUGHESVILLE - The excitement is almost as thick as the dust in the air during the demolition derby at the at the 142nd annual Lycoming County Fair. Both seasoned and rookie drivers are enticed by the opportunity to go out, crunch their cars and take some hits for the crowd's amusement.
This year's competition is being held in three parts. Qualifying rounds were held Saturday and Sunday, with the winners facing off at 7 p.m. Saturday in the championship.
For the Rooker family, demolition derby has become a lifestyle. Caleb Rooker, 16, of Sullivan County, found himself in the driver's seat for the first time this year, but he's been helping his family with their derby cars since he was a child.
Article Photos
KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Sam Jacobs, of Muncy, right, is backed into a wall during the demolition derby at the 142nd annual Lycoming County Fair in Hughesville Saturday.
However, he still was feeling a bit nervous before his first derby.
"I feel like a rookie. I'm nervous but I'm ready," Caleb said.
His uncle, sponsored driver Harold Rooker, had a score to settle during this year's competition. He took second in last year's event.
Fact Box
FAIR SCHEDULE
TODAY
Open Dairy Show, 9 a.m.
Open Goat Show, 9:30 a.m.
Buffalo Beals Petting Zoo, noon to 10 p.m.
Braden Stover, Pepsi Stage, 4:30, 6:30, 8:30 p.m.
Old Timers Show, 6 p.m.
Shepard's Lead Line Competition, 6 p.m.
4x4 Truck Pull, Grandstand, 6:30 p.m.
Big Tiny Young Show, TBA
FRIDAY
Lycoming County 4H Youth Horse and Pony Show, 9 a.m.
Open Beef Show, 10 a.m.
Buffalo Beals Petting Zoo, noon to 10 p.m.
Carl and Opal Schlappi, Pepsi Stage, 4:30, 6:30, 8:30 p.m.
Youth Livestock Sale, 6 p.m.
Tractor Pull, 6 p.m.
Big Tiny Young Show, TBA
SATURDAY
Pony Pulling Contest, 10 a.m.
Buffalo Beals Petting Zoo, noon to 10 p.m.
Miz Ida and the All-Nightas, Pepsi Stage, 4:30, 6:30, 8:30 p.m.
Demolition Derby, Grandstand, 7 p.m.
Big Tiny Young Show, TBA
"I'm going out to win it this year," said Harold, who has been driving in derbies for the last 18 years and has seven feature wins under his belt.
"I've been doing this since I was 14. It has become a lifestyle for me, I guess," Harold said.
His father, Harold Rooker Sr., drove in demolition derbies for 10 years. Though he is not driving in this year's event, he was nearby to cheer on his family.
"I can remember being a little kid and helping my dad with his cars. This is really something the whole family is involved in," Harold said.
Brian Schell, of Williamsport, took third place in last year's derby. He has been in several derbies over the years, but said the sport is less about competition and more about enjoying the experience.
"It's all about the fun and I hope to see more people get out and try derby. It's nice to see so many new drivers here," Schell said.
While driving in last year's derby, he caused another car to roll over. Friends and family joked about his "massive hit" as he readied himself for Saturday night's competition. They teased that he would have to cause some major damage this year to top himself.
Schell, who laughed off the teasing, explained that his rollover was a mix of good driving and good luck.
"I just caught somebody just right, got him hooked on another car and over he went," Shell said.
Sarah Dalton, 19, of Williamsport, was one of the few female rookie drivers who participated in the derby's qualifying round Saturday evening. Dalton, who drove a black Ford Taurus she had gotten from a friend, had decorated her car, which she named "Sarah Bell," with Mrs. Packman.
"I'm excited and nervous at the same time," Dalton said.
"I think after that first hit is over I'll be fine. I'm pumped up to go out there and take on the boys," she added.
Another first-time driver, Paul Temple, of Hughesville, was confident that he would rise to the challenge of his first demolition derby.
"I'm ready to have some fun and smash something," said Temple, who drove an Oldsmobile in Saturday night's qualifying competition, and a Ford F-150 in Sunday night's qualifying round.
"My F-150's got a straight six engine. Those things are beasts; they just refuse to die," he said.
