How popular was the demolition derby in its first year at the Chilton County Fair? Drivers almost started ramming their vehicles into others – to try to get a parking spot so they could watch the event.

Fair management chairperson Melinda McCullough said the traffic trying to get in to see the derby last year was so bad that many patrons missed the beginning of the event. So, McCullough encourages those interested this year to arrive as soon as the gates open at 6 p.m. on Sept. 23, the second night of the fair. The derby, which is sponsored by the Clanton Kiwanis Club, will begin at 7 p.m.

“There were people everywhere,” McCullough said. “It was, by far, our biggest night ever. Anybody I talked to about it said they loved it.”

Four cars participated last year, though more expected this year. Anyone interested in entering a car should call Frank Roberts at 1-888-361-5767 or e-mail Stoney_Roberts@ msn.com.

The derby will consist of four heats and a final round. Last car left running wins.

“The adrenaline rush is really an overwhelming type of feeling for them,” Roberts said of participants. “If you’ve never driven in one, you have no idea what it’s about.

“We’ve got morticians; we’ve got doctors. Most of them are thrill seekers – they’ve seen it on TV or whatever. Each of them has their own epiphany.”

The entry fee is $25, and prizes include a $1,200 cash purse and trophies. Money raised by the Kiwanis Club will be used to help children in Chilton County through the Department of Human Resources and scholarships, among other avenues. Spectators can get in by paying the $3 price for general admission to the fair.