Tickets for the newly resurrected demolition derby are now on sale and people are 鈥渃homping at the bit.鈥�

That鈥檚 the impression Jim McEwan, manager of the Salmon Arm Fair, has gotten from people, himself included.

鈥淲hen Dave [Schwandt] first approached us with this idea of bringing back the derby, it was like 鈥榟ey, that鈥檚 great, long overdue,鈥欌�� he said. 鈥淎nd it wasn鈥檛 long before his Facebook page was lighting up, and it almost seemed to take on a life of its own.鈥�

McEwan added that he鈥檚 always thought the fairgrounds are underutilized and something like this is a good fit. As well, the committee is very enthusiastic and well organized, leaving himself and the Shuswap Agricultural Society to just offer their help and get the derby crew whatever they need to help make it a success.

As for any possible repercussions or effects from the derby, he鈥檚 not concerned.

鈥淪omebody asked me if I鈥檓 worried about car parts and such in the arena, and the鈥檝e got a good plan in place, from little metal detectors to rakes to clean up any Bondo or nuts or bolts so I鈥檓 not worried鈥︹�� McEwan said. 鈥淭hey used to run it there before and it didn鈥檛 seem to be a problem at all and, again, these guys are really well organized.鈥�

He expects the event, which includes a shown 鈥榥鈥� shine, swap meet, food vendors and beer gardens, will bring in large crowds.

鈥淚t sounds like people from all walks of life are excited about getting back to watch the derby,鈥� he said of it not having run in Salmon Arm since 2017. 鈥淚鈥檓 really excited, I think it鈥檚 going to be a great event for the community鈥� a lot of fun.鈥�

McEwan added that it鈥檚 all coming together, including insurance, and said the organizers have everything covered off.

鈥淣ow it鈥檚 just a matter of waiting.鈥�

The two-day derby event will take place rain or shine at the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds on Father鈥檚 Day weekend, June 15 and 16. Tickets are available online at , with cash sales at the gates.

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