Did somebody say derby?

Southern Alberta is in for a treat — two demolition derbies to satisfy the need for speed and the smashing up of cars in front of a live audience.

The 5th Annual Carnage in Coaldale Demolition Derby is being held June 7 and the 2nd Demolition Derby Dust-Up is being held at the Exhibition Park Grandstand in Lethbridge Aug. 9, as part of Hot August Weekend.

Recently, Lethbridge Exhibition Park announced the line-up for the 5th Annual Hot August Weekend Aug. 9-10 in Lethbridge. The Coaldale Kinsmen will raffle off an opportunity for one winner to drive a demolition car in the derby main event on Aug. 9.

Two Coaldale smash-up kings and Coaldale Kinsmen members — Jack Van Rijn and Jason Peacock are involved in both and were present during the announcement of the Hot August Weekend events.

Peacock noted he was at the official announcement event to help answer questions regarding the tech side of demolition derby and to take registrations. He often answers questions such as what does it cost to build a car and what does it take to build a car?

Peacock also said Coaldale-wise things are looking really good for the highly anticipated Carnage in Coaldale event.

“We’re going to have a nice high car count this year by the looks of it. The weather is supposed to look good. This will be the first year we’re offering on-site camping for participants. We’ve had just a great response on Facebook and just through other venues. The guys are just raring to go and really looking forward to our show,” said Peacock, who has been the co-chair of the demolition derby for the past five years and a Kinsmen member for over six years.

In Coaldale, the demolition derby is a great entertainment option for families and brings vast amounts of tourism into the town.

“It’s great entertainment. It’s kid friendly — family friendly. We do it good and cheap so you can afford to bring the whole family out, a whole group of people and just enjoy yourselves and have a good time. The little kids love it, the adults love it — we’ve got the shows for the kids, we’ve got the beer gardens for the adults and we’ve got the bands. It’s an all-ages show for everyone to have a good time,” said Peacock.

Not only is Carnage in Coaldale a great way to spend a day with the family, it is also a great opportunity to help support local projects through fundraising initiatives by the Coaldale Kinsmen.

“It’s all a big fundraiser. All the money goes into the Kinsmen and we use it on community projects. We’ve been doing a park and now we’re expanding the park — adding a basketball court and ice rink to the big Kinship Park in Cottonwood,” said Peacock, who is also the promoter for both the Coaldale and Lethbridge events.

“On Aug. 9 come on out. It’s going to be a fun event. The car count we are hoping will be between 12-20 cars,” added Van Rijn, during his quick presentation at the Hot August Weekend events announcement May 15.

The Demolition Derby Dust-Up kicks off at 5 p.m. on Aug. 9. Advance tickets are $10 and at the gate $15. Under 10 free.

Carnage in Coaldale begins at 1 p.m. on June 7. Spectators $5 and 10 and under free. Rain delay date is June 14. Bring your lawn chairs.

Van Rijn noted the Kinsmen are looking for musicians for an open mic beer garden stage. Equipment will be supplied, so musicians can bring an instrument, plug in and play. Musicians are needed for one-hour sets from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Must be 18 years of age or older.

Van Rijn also noted the Kinsmen are looking for volunteers to assist with the Coaldale event with a time commitment from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers will receive: free entry, a free volunteer t-shirt, a free food voucher, and unlimited access to all areas of the demolition derby grounds. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. For more information call Van Rijn at 403-345-5820 or e-mail contact@coaldalekinsmen.com.

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