Clay County fairgrounds hosts demolition derby

Engines roared and dirt flew Saturday night, as the Clay County Fair Association hosted a demolition derby in the rodeo arena at the fairgrounds. Thanks to favorable weather a big crowd turned out for the event. (Times photo/Tim Blair) [Click to enlarge]

30 years ago this month the Clay County Fair Association sponsored their first demolition derby at the fairgrounds in Piggott. According to archive issues of The Piggott Times, the first derby was held the evening of Thursday, Aug. 23, 1979 during the fair. (rodeo was featured Friday and Saturday nights) The chairman for the first effort, and promoter of several derbies afterward, was Donald Foster who at the time owned Piggott Auto and Farm Parts.

This past Saturday night a large crowd packed the rodeo arena at the fairgrounds for yet another derby, and the participants put on an excellent show.

The first event of the evening, as it is for all of the local derbies, was the peewee derby for kids in their battery-powered vehicles. The event attracted six entries, and in the end the winners were--Shalynn Newman in first place, Tanner Dixon in third place and Jada Smith in third.

There were a total of 31 entries for the regular derby, with participants traveling to Piggott from across the region. A total of four contestants advanced to the main event in each of the three heats, and another four from the last chance event.

The Fair Association is also conducting a points race for contestants, and Mad-Dog point winners for the night included Josh Poe, Steve Hightower and Michael Ward in the three heats.

Taking top honors in the main event was John Nelson of Kennett, second place went to Ricky Brown of Greenway and third place went to Kevin Reeves of Piggott. Points were also awarded to fourth place finisher Jared Wagster of Kennett and fifth place Clayton Bell of Piggott.

The Clay County Fair Association will be hosting yet another demolition derby Saturday, Sept. 19, the final night of the 2009 fair. That event also will be the final points-paying event of the year, and a season champion will be determined from among the regular participants. Those wanting more information may contact Danny Seal at 870 634-8047.