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Slam-pack demolition derby draws crowd at farm show

Driver Jim Knepp of Butler hops out of his demolition derby car Friday night in front of a packed house at this year's Butler Farm Show. Nathan Bottiger/butler eagle

CONNOQUENESSING TWP — Friday's demolition derby at the Butler Farm Show had tons of carnage, as spectators dodged the flying mud.

“I've never seen such a crowd, ever,” said Gary Schnur of Herman.

Schnur said he had high expectations for this year's event. He said the good weather allowed drivers to do more damage.

“I just like to see who gets knocked out and who stays in,” Schnur said.

Dom Smith, a student from Butler, said it was his first time attending the derby.

“Cool,” he said.

Dom said he was going to pick a car and root for it, probably whoever had the coolest car.

Seneca Valley students Miranda Vrabely and Ryan Cox stood near the entrance wearing vibrant neon shirts with the crest of the Connoquenessing Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Miranda said she has seen the event before, but it always seems new.

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“I think it's really cool how everybody crashes into each other and all the different types of cars,” she said.

Ryan said he has been at the demolition derby a few times before. He said all of the elements of the event make it exciting to watch.

“It's fun to watch, but it's also sort of dangerous,” he said.

Seeing the show was just an added perk for Ryan and Miranda as they helped sell 50-50 tickets near the entrance. The proceeds went to the fire department.

Ryan and Miranda's parents are firefighters for the department, which had its crew on standby throughout the event.

Both said they were very proud to help their parents.

Ryan said some day, he could be a firefighter too, and he could work at the derby just like his father.

“My dad is fire police in the company, and he inspires me,” Ryan said. “When I'm old enough, I was thinking I could help out, too.”

Miranda said her dad is her hero, along with many others who volunteer to fight fires and rescue people.

“I think it's really cool that they save lives, and risk their life for other people,” she said.

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