Combine Demolition Derby

By: © Nelson Taylor 2008

Festival Location: Lind, WA, USA

Festival State: Washington Festivals

Festival Type(s): Bizarre Sports Events , Motor Sports Events, Bizarre Festivals

Here's an interesting take on your ordinary cowtown smash-up. In 1988, Bill Loomis, of Loomis Truck & Tractor, came up with the idea of a Combine Demolition Derby to spice up Lind's Centennial Celebration held every June. The local chapter of the Lion's Club decided Loomis' idea was exactly the kind of quirky event that could add considerable revenue to this struggling wheat farming community. And they were right.

So for the past ten years, a handful of the 462 residents of Lind have been rescuing rusty wheat combines from farmer's fields all around the state, preparing for what has become not only the oldest, but the biggest Combine Derby in America.

After months spent suping up the engines, modifying the exteriors for safety and garishly painting the beasts, every June these recycled behemoths creep out of rotting barns and oil-slicked garages for their fifteen minutes of fame. Under the crown of the rodeo arena lights, about 18 combines compete annually in several single elimination heats Carol Kelley, who operates the only female combine in the competition, says, "The key is to go for the tires. These things can turn on a dime, but without tires, they can't do squat." Winners of individual heats win $125, while the winner of the final round takes home $750. Admission is $7.