KIMBERLEY MASSEY/Rocky View Publishing

Two contenders in the "Gettin' Smashed at Sunset" demolition derby in Crossfield attempt to wreck one another's ride, Aug. 25.

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Crossfield demolition derby a resounding success

Roughly 700 people came out to watch this year’s annual Crossfield Demolition Derby at the Pete Knight Rodeo Grounds on Aug. 25.

Seven cars were demolished during the event.

“Gettin’ Smashed at Sunset,” which was Crossfield’s second derby this summer, was organized by the Crossfield Elks as a way to raise funds for the town’s various groups. In total, the derby raised about $2,000.

“That was one of the things we came up with because (derbys are) generally well attended,” said Crossfield Elks Exalted Ruler Alan Meunier.

“We thought we would do it under the lights to add a little different twist.”

Drivers showed up with old cars, which were heavily modified to compete in the demolition derby.

“There is a lot of work to be done initially,” said Meunier.

“Once you find an older car, it has to be totally stripped down (to be demolished). Anything that can start on fire has to be removed, the gas tank has to be removed. There are a lot of modifications to keep everyone safe.”

Meunier said next year’s event will likely be an afternoon derby to help draw bigger crowds.

The event ran three heats, awarding the car and driver who made the final “aggressive hit” of each.

The first heat, which had four cars, and the second, which featured three, awarded drivers $400 and $300 respectively.

The final heat, called a grudge match, was open to drivers who still had running cars.

“It must be the wrecking of vehicles (that brings people out,)” said Meunier.

“Any time something can get wrecked, it’s interesting. It’s amazing how many people come to watch that.”

While Meunier said he was happy with the number of people who attended the event, he said he hopes next year the event will draw numbers closer to the 2,000 people who came out for the Pete Knight demolition derby in June.