BUSTING through the barricade, a demolition driver feels the final blows from a Ford. Photos by Steve Kohls.

With a bang, and a few bumps, the Brown County Fair got underway Wednesday night at the fairgrounds.

The banging came mainly from near the grandstand area, where the first of the fair’s two demolition derbies was taking place.

Ten drivers would line up in a circle, and, after given the signal to begin, drivers like mad at each other, smashing fenders, sides and the rest until only one car was left in running condition.

The derby is to be back in form Saturday at 8 p.m. when the winners return.

And the winners are

STEEL crushes as two demolition derby autos ram each other.

Mike Ries of Lafayette and Duane Wendlerof New Ulm tied for the demolition derby championship Wednesday night at the Brown County Fair.

Russ Domeier took third place and Mike Tauer took fourth in the championship heat.

Jim Wieland won the consolation heat.Dave Potter of Springfield came in second, Tom Reitter third and Dave Clancy fourth.

Russ Domeier won the first heat. Paul Schanus was second and Mike Ries third. The second heat was won by Duane Wendler. Dave Wenninger came in second and Scott Apitz third.

Don Cordes won the third heat. Mike Tauer won second place and Ted Stueber came in third.

DEMOLITION DERBY drivers smash each other’s cars to smithereens as the crowd yells with the excitement at the annual demolition derby Wednesday night at the Brown County Fair.

Sue Zeig was the winner of the powder puff derby. Mary Ann Thedens, 31, Sleepy Eye, was treated at Loretto Hospital and released Wednesday night after being shaken up in the powder puff derby.

Paid admissions to the demolition derby totaled 1,400.

New Ulm Daily Journal

Aug. 14, 1975