Unique piece of Americana is coming to Montgomery County Fair.

Demolition Derby is in town! We do not get to hear that announcement often, but Montgomery County Fair is bringing two nights of car-smashing fun to Gaithersburg. The events are part of the Montgomery County Fair entertainment roster and will take place Friday, August 17th, and Saturday, August 18th, at 7:30 pm. Demolition derbies were promoted as far back as 1950s, and while origins of these events are disputed, one interesting theory gives credit to car racer Larry Mendelsohn who caught on the idea that a lot of people enjoy wrecks as much as racing itself. This demolition derby is organized by R&R Productions, which has an entry form on the website. While there are certain prep requirements for the cars, safety regulations and stern warnings of not using alcohol or drugs, the driver is only required to be sixteen years old, although with a notarized release from parent or guardian. I have attended a couple demolition derbies before, and still remember the loud sounds of crashes, smell of black exhaust smoke and cars spinning out of control. The accidents and injuries do happen, and I hope than no teens are signed up to drive at these two events.