Demolition Derby

 The Kamas Fiesta Days Demolition Derby--one of Utah's foremost cultural events.  Camille secured the hotly sought-after tickets for July 23, 2016, and invited Mike and Heidi, Dave and me to join her family.  We started the evening with supper at the cabin--muffaletta sandwiches, fruit, chips, raspberry lemonade, and mint chocolate brownies.  Annelise, Emilie, and Sophia each brought a friend.  Jackie and Annelise have been close friends ever since Annelise arrived back in SLC from Ohio two years ago.  (Pictures for this blog posting are by Mike)

 Mike carefully briefed Heidi on the Derby, so she wouldn't be shocked.  Her taste runs to symphonies and classic movies.  Heidi is a great sport and said only, when it was over, "Four hours was a bit long.  I can enjoy anything for two hours."

 Emilie, Sophia, and their friends sat at the table, laughed, and talked.

 Before the Derby started, Mike and Heidi checked out the cars which would participate.  The first item on the program was the audience vote for the most beautiful vehicle.  The more US flags, the louder the clapping, so the cars were festooned with patriotic symbols, as well as names of beers and references to "Mom and Dad".

 Mia was a star of the show.  When the announcer mentioned a dance contest between Derby heats, Mia told Camille, "I can dance" and ran onto the field.  She was picked as one of the finalists, as she turned one-handed cartwheels all over the field.  Mia was sad she didn't win, but Camille explained the contest was rigged for adults.

 Ezra jumped to catch frisbees thrown to the crowd.  Gretta brought a book to read--"Imperial Grunts", a critique of the US military--and was surprised that Steve and Camille found that strange.

 One highlight of the Derby was the motocross presentation.  The riders did flips on their machines and hung onto their cycles by the handlebars, all before landing perfectly on the ramp, as the audience gasped.

Smoke, fire, and noisy crashes provide the thrills of the Demolition Derby.  There were plenty of thrills this year.  At one point, a rider leaped out of his car and peeled off his fire suit, down to his underwear, to avoid a burn, but that's as exciting as it got.

 We can hardly wait for next year.