Glendon Derby Daze on Saturday brought out over 3,000 spectators to support the work of the Glendon Ag Society, and of course, to see some great drivers smash up cars and trucks or plough through the mud bog.
In the truck competition, Dave Kemsley and Adam Potts tied for first place after a thrilling duel, winning $1,125 cash and trophies from Boxer Valve and Glendon Drug Mart, respectively. Travis Aylesworth took the third place prize of $300 and a trophy sponsored by B.O.S. Oilfield Services.
"We've got a great crowd here today. The crowd makes the event so we're pretty happy about it," said organizer Sherry Skrypichayko. "We're really glad to see people coming from far and wide to support our community."
In the car competition, Dale Hedrick, winner of a Glendon Tire raffle car, took home $1,500 sponsored by B & R Eckels and the first place Glendon Hotel trophy. Dave Kemsley won Dale's Auto & Industrial second place trophy and $750, while Matt Lysy took home $300 and third place sponsored by Lorie's Place.
In the compact car competition, Al Cardinal, winner of the Glendon Tire raffle car, won the St. Arnault Lumber & Building Supplies first place trophy and a prize of $300. Dave Kemsley took home the FD Windshields second place trophy and $100, while Carl Coney took the Bruce and Kathy Enterprises third place trophy.
"For little cars, they hit hard and would just not quit," said co-master of ceremonies Ken Pshyk. He said many of the drivers, for being only 16 years old, do a fantastic job. "They hit hard and just go. They gave us a great show."
In the mud bog modified category, Corey Melnychuk took home $500 and first place, sponsored by Heartland Fuels. Brian Shipka won $250 for second place, and a trophy sponsored by Korner Mart & Gas. Gator Gates won a trophy from Scott's Backhoe for third place and $100 cash.
In the mud bog stock category, Ben Dyck won $500 for first, sponsored by Glendon Tire. Brad Saubak won $250 for second and a trophy sponsored by Franchere General Store, and Shane Kotovich won $100 for third and a trophy sponsored by Rockwell Telecom.
In the mud bog mod-stock category, Gilles Lord won $500 for first, Rob Gamache $250 for second, and Tyrel Charton $100 for third.
"You get to meet people from all walks of life, right from little kids to grandpas, from the city to the country, it's just a great place to meet people and spend an afternoon," said Pshyk. "It's something different. It's not your typical dance and your typical supper or whatever," he said.
"It was awesome. I didn't think I was going to do that good but the truck held up pretty good," said third-year derby driver Chase Burshtinski after advancing to the truck finals. Burshtinski won the best-dressed truck award.
Josh Pelham from Flat Lake drove in his first derby this year after seeing how much fun his friends had in previous years. He said his favourite part about the derby is the "redneck atmosphere around here" and "smashing cars."
The derby grounds needed some prep work prior to Saturday due to the recent rains. Water was pumped off the track and the mud bog needed prep work, because "even the mud bogs were too muddy," said Skrypichayko.
Best-dressed car went to Michael Drobot. Carl Coney won best-dressed compact car. The long distance award went to Shane Collins from Drayton Valley, while the Miles Cotton most aggressive driver trophy went to Adam Potts (sponsored by the Glendon Ag Society.) The Ted Cardwell best air trophy sponsored by LD Catering went to Rob Gamache.
