Demo-Derby a Fourth of July tradition

Around 1965 a couple of guys attended a demolition derby in Sequim. They thought it would be a pretty fun event to add to the line-up of activities for the Forks Fourth of July. Chuck Henry was one of those guys along with his son in law Bob Gourley. So, Chuck was put in charge of organizing the event. He went to Donny Palmer and asked to use his field which was across from where Alder Grove Mobile Home Park is today.

July 8, 2014 6:46 pm
Fourth Demo-Derby 1969
Fourth Demo-Derby 1969

Around 1965 a couple of guys attended a demolition derby in Sequim. They thought it would be a pretty fun event to add to the line-up of activities for the Forks Fourth of July. Chuck Henry was one of those guys along with his son in law Bob Gourley. So, Chuck was put in charge of organizing the event.

He went to Donny Palmer and asked to use his field which was across from where Alder Grove Mobile Home Park is today.

The first event had a great turn out and spectators stood around the barbed wire fencing and watched. It was a hit!

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The demo-derby eventually was moved to Tillicum Park and was pretty dangerous for drivers and spectators those fist few years when rocks went flying. Eventually the arena at the park was built and it made things a lot safer but maybe not quite as exciting as those first demo derbies.

While the logging show is gone the demo derby continues to be a big draw the day of the Fourth.

This year Bob Swanson, who grew up in Forks, will be doing the play by play announcing during the event.