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Derby thrills crowd for another year

The demolition derby is hosted by the Fernie Lions Club and has become an annual local event.
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The demolition derby

What started as a small demolition derby in Hosmer in the 1970s has grown into a Labour Day tradition that most Fernie locals look forward to every year.

The Lions Club Demolition Derby provides a day of entertainment, with approximately 5,000 people showing up to watch the debauchery. It is the main fundraiser for the Lions Club, with all admission proceeds - $10 per adult and $5 for youth and students - going towards the club.

The event features different categories of cars and trucks competing, trying to smash into each other with their back ends so not to harm their engines.

The event has become a Fernie attraction, with many locals hosting brunches and parties in honour of the occasion.

It takes roughly 100 volunteers to produce the derby, which has raised over half a million dollars for the Lions Club since its conception 40 years ago.

The event is also known for highly-valued 50/50 draw, which was close to $5,000 for the winning ticket this year.