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Lions celebrate 40 years of smashingly good fundraisers
By S.L. Furedi
The Fernie Lions Club will be hosting the 40th year of its annual Demolition Derby, Sunday, Aug. 31.
The derby, a popular Labour Day weekend event, got its start in Hosmer, says Lions member Rick Ganter, who has volunteered at it every year. The event is the Lions Club’s major fundraiser, with all funds raised staying in the community.
Over the years, the club estimates it has raised more than half-a-million dollars through the derby, and uses the funds to support youth sports, seniors, the handicapped and others in need in Fernie.
“It’s been a great way to raise money. It brings the community together for a day, with a great common goal: have fun and support the Lions,” says Ganter. For him, it’s also a family affair, as both his daughters, their husbands and now his grandsons volunteer as well.
“Three generations of volunteers? I think that’s a pretty good track record. And our family isn’t the only ones who’ve been helping out or participating all this time. We also have families of drivers – fathers, sons and now grandsons who have been in it.”
Ganter says that’s despite challenges that occur every so often, such as having to relocate the event or bad weather.
“We started in Hosmer, then moved to Coal Creek, then had a long stint at the rodeo grounds, but a couple of years ago, we moved again to a great property by the golf course. The last move was a lot of work by a lot of volunteers, but it’s been very good. I think everyone has been positive in their comments about the location and set-up. Ideally, we would love to see the City of Fernie dedicate a piece of property to a permanent outdoor arena for a variety of events but we’re grateful that Trico Homes has been so generous in allowing us to use their land.”
The derby is located at 1800 Railway Ave., also known as the old Hutchinson property.
Gates open at 10:30 a.m. with the first heat starting at noon. A concession and refreshment garden will be on site. Entry fee is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Children under 10 get in free.
Cars must be registered by Friday, Aug. 29 at Backyard Auto in Fernie. Entry fee is $100 per car for the main heat, $50 for trucks and small cars, and there is a late penalty for cars registering after that, or on the day of the derby, so Ganter advises drivers to get their forms in fast.
For more information, or to register, contact Tom Murdoch at 423-3052.
Also, for updates and information about the derby, check out the Fernie Lions Demolition Derby page on Facebook.
