FONDA - Crunching metal, hissing engines, eardrum-dulling thuds and squeals of spectator joy - must be the Demolition Derby back again at the Fonda Fair.
In an annual rite, another jazzed-up collection of macho vehicles are doing battle this fair season deep in the muck at the Track of Champions.
"Demo Days" presented by Peeker Entertainment are on tap for four of the fair days, and Saturday's demolition events didn't disappoint, fans said.
"I like everything about it," said Demolition Derby fan Raymond Duesler of Gloversville, waiting in the stands Saturday. "I like the crashes and the noise from the cars. I've been down here every day just to see the demos."
Jan Smith, 12, of Saratoga Springs said, "It's pretty awesome how the cars get all wrecked and stuff."
Wacked and wrecked they were Saturday, as announcer Mark Peek called all the action from the edge of the dirt track.
His father - Peeker Entertainment owner Billy Peek of Mayfield - explained before Saturday's small car demolition that it involved about 50 cars in various heats. He said that figure was down by about 25 from last year.
Billy Peek lamented the fact that high prices for junk cars was keeping the number of Demolition Derby competitors down this year, but people inside the cars and out were still having fun this year at the fair.
"All the drivers are enthusiastic and the fans are enthusiastic," he said. "We're ready to go."
Any stock front engine, sedan, hardtop vehicles are being allowed in this year's derby. Chrysler Imperials, pickups, four-wheel drive vehicles, convertibles, Jeeps, hearse limousines and custom-made vehicles are being excluded.
Batteries have to be secured safely and covered, and tires have to be street legal.
In the pit area before the derby, driver Joe Rose was putting the finishing touches on his Cadillac Deville.
"I do it every year," Rose explained. "I've been doing it for about seven or eight years. I like bending cars, it's a rush."
When asked where he gets his cars, the driver replied, "Wherever I can find them."
As the derby neared its start, the Mohawk Volunteer Fire Department had its hoses in place near the track, and an ambulance was at the ready.
First, the crowd was treated to the audience participation part of the show - voting on the eight cars that were among "Best of Show." It was kind of a beauty contest for cars - albeit ones about to be wrecked - and the fans' cheers acknowledged Bert Schrader of Cobleskill as the winner with his Sesame Street-decorated car.
Then it was time for Billy Peek to give the drivers a briefing behind the big tent.
"Quit your bragging and get back in your cars and let's go," he told them.
Shortly thereafter, it was on, as the cars in the first heat lined up all pretty before proceeding to turn into each at full force, slamming at ram-rod speed, wheels kicking pieces of the wetted-down dirt high into the air. Like a true demolition, the cars reversed and lurched forward, putting each other out of commission until winners could be declared.
One unidentified driver scrambled out of his "Dutch Valley" car and was treated by medical personnel after receiving a face full of steam. But he seemed to be all right.
"Demolition Days" continues Monday - the last day of the Fonda Fair - with a derby for school buses.
Mark Peek said that type event was a fan favorite last year at the Fonda Fair.
"It was exciting, it was crazy," Peek told Saturday's appreciative crowd.
Michael Anich covers Fulton County and Johnstown. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.
