HUMBOLDT — The roar of engines and the crunch of metal will arrive at Humboldt Speedway this weekend as the Iron Horse Demolition Derby makes its long-awaited comeback.
Scheduled for Saturday, June 13, the event serves as a fundraiser for the Allen County Fair and marks the return of the derby for the first time in more than 20 years.
While the Allen County Fair itself is still several weeks away — scheduled for July 22-26 — organizers hope the derby will help build excitement while generating support for the annual event.
According to fair board member and event coordinator Andi Lou Garrett, the demolition derby was once a familiar attraction connected to the fair but has not been held in many years.
“They had it for several years, but haven’t had it in a long time,” Garrett said.
The revival is the result of years of planning and effort, Garrett said, and has been a goal of hers since she became involved with the fair board. “I personally have a drive to bring the fair back to what it once was,” she said. “I’ve been working on it since 2023.”
Garrett said the fair has continued to grow and add attractions over the past several years as funding allows, noting the return of the rodeo in 2024.
As part of her work with the Allen County Fair board, Garrett focuses on promoting events and bringing new attractions to the community. She oversees many of the activities surrounding the fair and works to continually expand entertainment opportunities for area residents.
Those attending the derby can expect a full evening of competition featuring five divisions of vehicles.
The event will be held at Humboldt Speedway, 1663 Georgia Road. Registration and pit access will open at noon, spectators may enter beginning at 5 p.m., and the first vehicles are scheduled to hit the arena at 7 p.m.
Advance ticket purchases are encouraged and are available through the Allen County Fair website at www.allencountyfairks.com.
Garrett noted that the derby is a rain-or-shine event, unless conditions are unsafe. General admission tickets are $15, with kids 8 and under free. A pit pass ticket is $30 for all ages. No one under 12 is allowed in the pits.
If extreme weather forces the event to be postponed, all pre-purchased tickets will be honored.
