many times i have thought about the derby and thought "what is the matter with me?"
"why do i love this stuff?"
it is the opposite of anything i like.
normally.
it's loud.
it's dirty.
it's crowded.
it's really hot.
but it's also....
a community.
a group of people that i grew up around....a tradition...of a small town kind.
the town where i grew up.
you know people and they know you. (or knew you when)
at the derby you stand in line to by your tickets and your high school bestie walks up and gives you a hug.
even though you haven't seen her in a few years.
and another one spots you in the crowd and waves and says "there's seats by us if you need some!"
it's like a big (redneck) reunion at the derby.
at demo derbies you get to experience porta potties and purses falling in the dirt.
or mud flying into your hair.
but there are also funnel cakes.
and you can share them with new friends in the row in front of you....
you can sit behind a class mate you haven't seen in years and meet his son.
and talk about the good ol' days.
and how old you feel now.
the sun goes down.
the heat is gone.
it is a fun place to be.
do you believe me yet?
at the derby you can climb under the bleachers...not too gracefully...to go buy a demo derby t-shirt.
i really did.
sean and talby were catching grasshoppers and naming them all steve.
and just before the final round there is a big fireworks show.
the music comes through through the crackly speakers and everyone turns to watch.
i kept saying "really? there is MORE?!"
it went on forever.
i love the derby.
i love taking my kids.
it's old fashioned small town fun.
(here is our time a year ago....with video.)
have you ever been to a demolition derby?
