Celebrate the 50th Annual Fernie Lions Demolition Derby on Sunday, September 1st, and get ready for a day filled with more than just metal-crunching action. This year, we’re amping up the excitement with the local sensation, Mount Rushka, who will be rocking the grounds!
Event details you should know:
• Live Beats on the Scene: Fernie’s own Mount Rushka will be setting the soundtrack for the day, so prepare to rock out between the rumbles!
• Cash for Fun and Fundraising: This is a CASH ONLY event, perfect for enjoying all the amenities while supporting a great cause.
• Gates to Great Times: Open at 11 am with the first heat at noon. Don’t miss a moment of the action!
• Tickets for the Taking: $20 for adults, $10 for youth, students, and seniors, and free for kids under 10. Bring the whole crew!
• No Paws, Just Applause: Please leave pets at home as no dogs are allowed on the grounds.
• Bounce and Cheer: Kids can jump for joy in bouncy castles while you cheer on the drivers.
• Bigger, Better Beer Garden (19+): Enjoy a cold one in our recently expanded beer garden.
• Cheers to the Planet: Bring your reusable metal cup or pick up a new one here.
• Concessions and More: Stay fueled with tasty treats from our food stands.
• Derby Swag: Snag some exclusive 50th-anniversary gear and support the Fernie Lions Club.
• Quick Bites for Pit Crews: A shortcut to the concession stand means you’re never far from a snack.
• Parking Plus: More space for all our derby enthusiasts.
• Protect Your Ears: It’s loud and proud, so bring ear protection.
• Bandanas Against Dust: Keep the grit out of your grin with a bandana.
Participate in a golden anniversary filled with destruction, music, and community spirit. Thank you for supporting the Fernie Lions Club’s charitable efforts for half a century!
A tradition going over 50 years
The Fernie Lions Demolition Derby had its start in Hosmer, back in the 1970’s. It then moved to Coal Creek Road in Fernie, which wasn’t a great location. Coal dirt is nasty to drive in, and everyone went home black. An agreement with the Snow Valley Wranglers brought the Derby to the Gymkana grounds in Fernie, where the derby stayed for more than 20 years.
In 2012 the Demolition Derby moved to a new, larger piece of land on the other side of the Fernie Golf Course thanks to the generosity of Trico Homes. Extensive work has been done to create a safe, comfortable event space including rebuilding the bleachers, concession stand and announcer’s booth.
Over 100 volunteers work to create the magic that is the Fernie Demolition Derby, some have been coming out every Labour Day weekend for almost 40 years! Over 1,000 cars have been pounded, pulped and punished over the years and approximately 5,000 people show up to join in the fun.
All money raised at the derby is used by the Lions to help the disabled, seniors, sick children, families in need, youth sports and other needy causes in the Elk Valley. Almost HALF A MILLION DOLLARS has been raised through this event over the years.
