Northern Utah’s largest 4th of July celebration kicked off the weekend with a car wreck.
And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
There are plenty of other activities during the two-day July Fourth celebration at Ogden Stadium. There is a car show, a local band, children’s trampolines and inflatable toys and plenty of refreshments to stand the heat.
The demolition derby, however, brings the most people.
The derby, which averages over 13,000 attendees annually, brings a few resilient individuals who brave the sun to get the best seats. By early Saturday afternoon, a handful of people had left blankets on the benches of the arena, saving spots for the evening’s festivities.
“We got here about 2 p.m.,” said Shelby Jensen, who is in Ogden on leave from tech school in Arkansas. “We’re here to watch the best derby in town.”
“It’s hot,” said Megan Pollock, an Ogden resident and student at Weber State University. “But we try to make it to the derby every year. There’s not much else to do in Ogden.”
Below the stadium, a group of adults found shade under a beer booth near the bleachers. Taylor Smith, of Willard, said she likes the atmosphere of watching the annihilation of run-down cars.
“I really enjoy watching guys destroy cars and themselves,” Smith said. “It’s also nice to come cool off with a beer after a hot day in the sun.”
This year’s derby is particularly special. With three derbies over a two-day celebration, the Stirrin’ Dirt Racing derby has sold a record amount of tickets.
“Having three different derbies to choose from was really great this year,” said Michael Hadley of Kaysville.
“My family was able to celebrate at more than one July Fourth event while saving the best show for last.”
