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By Brooke Hammond, MCP Intern
PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — The 85th Western Michigan Fair begins today with nightly grandstand events taking place every night beginning Tuesday and ending Saturday, Aug. 10 with the Mid-Season Championship Demolition Derby by TNT.
Amber Township resident Justin Coolman grew up around local demolition derbies and will be one of the many locals participating in the Mid-Season Championship Demolition Derby.
“I’ve been around derbies for about 30 years, and I’ve been participating for about 10 years,” said Coolman.
While he was growing up his grandfather and uncles worked on demolition vehicles, Coolman said. The exposure and interest in the mechanical side as well as the racing side of demolition derbies eventually led him to begin participating in derbies.
The demolition derbies are also a valuable part of Coolman’s social world.
“I think I have more friends and family in the derby world than anywhere else. I have met people in the derby world from all over,” he said.
Demolition derbies require a lot more than most people may think, Coolman said. He often begins preparing for a derby six months prior to the competition and the cars are in constant need of repair or replacement.
“Every time we run it you have to do something to the car. We also try to find two cars per summer,” said Coolman.
He has participated in demolition derbies across Michigan as well as in other states; however, the demolition derby during the Western Michigan Fair has a special place of importance for him.
“Ludington is the most special to me. When there are about 5,000 people and you look up and see your name on a sign it is really cool. Competing with my friends just makes it a lot more enjoyable,” said Coolman.
The general atmosphere of demolition derby preparation is a bit different for the derby during the WMFA fair, he added.
“The prep for the Ludington fair is so much more. Everyone brings their best to the Western Michigan Fair. I will probably be in 10 different guys’ garages just helping prepare cars. We are going to give a really great show this year,” said Coolman.
Coolman also wished to thank the Western Michigan Fair Association for allowing the demolition derby to take place during fair week.
“This derby is very special; it is a huge part of Mason County culture, said Coolman.”
Saturday’s Mid-Season Championship Demolition Derby by TNT begins at 5 p.m. General admission is $15 and pit passes are $25. Information about the 85th Western Michigan Fair can be found at masoncountyfairgrounds.com.
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