Derby action rolls into Lind this weekend

The Town of Lind is set to host thousands of visitors this weekend for the 26th Annual Lind Combine Demolition Derby. The annual event kicks off entertainment on Friday night with car and pickup races, before hosting a slew of events on Saturday at the Lind Arena.

The weekend of derby action begins with the annual car races on June 7 at 6 p.m. in the arena. Due to the large amount of pickups registered to race in last year’s derby, pickup drivers are also welcome to race during the Friday night festivities.

Before the Saturday events begin, the Ralston Grange is hosting a breakfast at the cook shack at the Lind Arena from 7-9 a.m. The group is serving a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, German sausage, coffee and juice, at a cost of $5 a plate.

Saturday’s morning activities are kicked off when the youngsters from the local communities take to the streets in the annual Kiddie Parade. With the theme of “When I Grow Up,” children participants will dote the outfit of their future career as they make the parade route on June 8. Participants should arrive at 10 a.m. with their entry form.

All participants receive an award for participating and should meet east of the Centennial Park. Judging begins promptly at 10:15. The parade begins at 10:45 a.m. just before the Grand Parade.

For more information about the event, contact Kindra Haase at 509-650-7299. Completed forms should be brought to the parade for registration.

Immediately following the adorable display of local youngsters, combines and floats alike take to the streets in the Grand Parade at 11 a.m. All of the combine drivers maneuver the equipment through the streets with supporters, family and friends on the combines with them.

The grand marshals for this year’s event are Howard and Phyllis Heil, who were chosen because of their dedication, participation and commitment to the community.

Visitors are invited to Lind City Park at the conclusion of the parade to enjoy a traditional barbecue meal, cooked up by the Cathy Jo’s Catering. At $8 a plate, Cathy Jo is serving up a meal of barbecue pork sandwiches, baked beans and coleslaw, while youth groups are selling dessert and beverages alongside.

Saturday afternoon marks the beginning of the derby action visitor’s travel far and wide to see. Pickup truck races begin the heart pounding action at 2 p.m. as drivers race to finish the course before their competitors and without causing a wreck.

Combines begin rolling into the arena at 3 p.m. in the first heat of metal crunching action, and grain truck races return to provide intermission entertainment. The final heat of combines will return to the arena before dark in order to crown a victor for the annual competition.

After the Saturday night excitement of crunching combines has ended, visitors are invited to watch an equally entertaining event the next day as the local youth take to Smart’s Hill to compete in the thrilling Coaster Car Race.

The Coaster Car Races begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, at the top of Smart’s Hill on E Street, near the Lind Elementary School. The street is closed for the event so bystanders are encouraged to park elsewhere and walk to the race.

The Lind Calvary Assembly of God sponsors the event and competitors come from as far away as Kirkland, Wash. For more information about the event and for a list of contacts, visit http://www.lindwa.com.