Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack: Video: Combine Demolition Derby is smashing good time at the Carroll 4-H and FFA Fair in Westminster

Monday, August 02, 2010

Video: Combine Demolition Derby is smashing good time at the Carroll 4-H and FFA Fair in Westminster

Combine Demolition Derby is smashing good time at the Carroll 4-H and FFA Fair in Westminster

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'This is all-Americana, baby' ¦ fair continues through Aug. 6

Posted 8/01/10 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle

http://www.explorecarroll.com/community/4576/Carroll-County-Fair-Westminster-4H-FFA/

The afternoon at the annual Carroll County (Maryland) 4-H FFA Fair started out tame enough. Children were giggling. There was ice cream, burgers and french fries to eat; the weather was appropriately hot, and antique tractors were performing the stylized minuet of square dancing in the upper horse arena.

But soon after 6 o'clock in the evening, the scene of the antique tractors had transformed into the clash of the alien mutant titans of the farm equipment world, as the giant machines danced in the makeshift heavy metal mosh pit of the third annual combine demolition derby at the country fair.

With names like “Smoking Panther,” “Pink Elephant,” “Black Widow,” and “Save the Ta Tas - Fight for the Cure,” the hulking machines paraded into the gladiatorial arena to the delight of the overflow crowd as the announcers, John Roop and Rachael Troppman, introduced the contestants.

[…]

Just before the action began, Forrest Shaw, the assistant chief of the Pleasant Valley Fire Department assembled the scores of firefighters and EMS personnel from fire departments throughout the county, for final instructions.

“This is a neat event. We're here to make sure everyone is safe,” said Shaw as he surveyed the large audience that kept creeping toward the fence and the large concrete barricades in place to keep the machines in the arena separate from the crowds packed on the surrounding sloped seating area.

[…]

Pink Elephants on parade

The opera performed by the giant bellowing machines took place in four acts. Three heats with the winners of each of the heats appearing for the final duel.

The “Smoking Panther” driven by Kenny Nusbaum, survived heat No. 1. The High Clas Farm entry, the “Pink Elephant,” piloted by David Clas, prevailed in the second heat. And the crowd favorite, according to announcer Troppman, “Save the Ta Tas,” the Lakeview Farms entry captained by Jeff Harrison, won the third heat.

[…]

Survival of the pinkest

The end came at 9:45 p.m., as the “Pink Elephant” was declared the winner - as the second place finisher, the “Smoking Panther,” fell silent - vanquished after putting up quite a fight.

In addition to bragging rights, the first place finisher took home a prize of $1,000. Second place won $500, and this year's third place finisher, “Save the Ta Tas,” donated its $250 prize to the “Susan G. Koman for the Cure” breast cancer foundation.

“Isn't this fun?” said Troppman from the announcers' stand. “The families, friends… and the farms put so much creativity and effort into their combines - and then it's fun to see them crash into each other.”

Written and filmed by Kevin Dayhoff for www.explorecarroll.com.

With editorial assistance by Jim Joyner and Charles Schelle

July 31, 2010

[20100731 July 31 2010 Combine Demo Derby]

Combine Demolition Derby Carroll County Maryland Dayhoff ExploreCarroll.com 4-H FFA Fair

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l75oPp6CdG0