Spring Demolition Derby brings metal-crushing action to Gouverneur Fairgrounds

by Rachel Hunter

Hundreds of North Country residents arrived at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds on Sunday, May 4 to witness the metal-crushing action during the three-hour Spring Demolition Derby.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that demolition derbies began in the 1940s and 1950s, gaining popularity as a spectacle where drivers intentionally crashed their vehicles until only one remained operational. The 1960s and 1970s saw a surge in events at county fairs and televised broadcasts. The first recorded instance of a demolition derby on the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds was in 1967. Safety regulations have evolved over the years, ensuring driver protection while preserving the chaotic appeal. Today, demolition derbies remain a beloved motorsport, continuing the tradition of competitive, high-impact racing.

The 2025 Spring Demolition Derby, hosted by the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association, drew over 50 entries. There were seven qualifier heats, a consi, and the final feature. North Country residents cheered as they witnessed the metal-on-metal chaos of the demolition derby as steel crunched, frames bent, and engines roared in a battle of endurance. Cars slammed into each other with bone-rattling force, the impact sending shattered bumpers, twisted fenders, and torn grilles flying. Exhaust pipes spew smoke as overheated engines struggle to stay alive, while the screech of tires on dirt and the unmistakable clang of metal colliding fill the air. As the wreckage piled up, the last surviving car limps through the battlefield, dented and battered, proving its dominance in a war of destruction and survival.

Trophies and big cash prizes were awarded to the top two winners. First place went to Cody Durham of Gouverneur, and second place went to Kristopher Matthie of Gouverneur. Trophies were also presented to the heat winners: The results were recorded as follows: Heat No. 1 (Keera Dean, Allen Dean), Heat No. 2 (Adam Dean, Roger Dean), Heat No. 3 (Ryan Martin, Alex Schell), Heat No. 4 (Drake Matthews, Kristopher Matthie), Heat No. 5 (Richard Aldridge, Cody Durham), Heat No. 6 (Amanda Dibble, Andrew Green), Heat No. 7 (Don Scovil, Harold Clement), and Consi Round (Jordan Swinyer, Jared Miller).

A raffle car to benefit the Gouverneur Rescue Squad was driven in Heat No. 7 by Dave Schell of Syracuse. All raffle tickets and sponsor donations received will be donated to the Gouverneur Rescue Squad, thanks to the generosity of the local businesses and community members. It was announced that a total of $1,345 had been raised.

Much appreciation was extended to the Gouverneur Police Department, Gouverneur Fire Department and the Gouverneur Rescue Squad for their roles in making the demolition derby a success.

The crowd is still abuzz about the scrumptious food (hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, etc.) that were available for sale at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association’s concession stand underneath the grandstand.

The 2025 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will take place Tuesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 3. As is tradition, the Fair will conclude with the demolition derby, a crowd-favorite. Grandstand tickets will be available at the gate. For more information about the 2025 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair, visit GouverneurFair.net.