It well-known to local residents, and those from surrounding communities, that Medstead hosts a rip-roaring annual celebration over the Canada Day long weekend, from June 30 to July 2.聽 This tradition is to continue 2017, a special year for Canada as the country celebrates its 150th birthday.聽
The Medstead Homecoming/Canada 150 celebration will boast a wide variety of festivities for folks of all ages. The specific event, for which many are preparing in advance, is the Demolition Derby, which will take place between 2-5 p.m. on Canada Day.
The origins of the demolition derby in Medstead date back to July 1, 2002. According to Cheyenne Orange, Secretary of MADRA, 鈥淭he 2005 history book says it best.鈥� 聽
According to this book, 鈥淚t started when Leonard Barbondy moved to Medstead in 2000. He started to build derby cars and make lots of noise in town with his car in the back yard. People would stop in to see what he was doing.鈥�
Barbondy went to North Battleford, bringing with him a couple of youth from Medstead to help him in the pits.
According to the history notes, this is when Ron Jesse of MADRA approached Barbondy to start up a derby in Medstead. The first year Medstead hosted the derby only five cars were entered, but by 2003, there were fourteen cars and four trucks. Each year has boasted crowds of several hundred spectators. Saskatchewan鈥檚 centennial, 2005, easily marked the largest turnout on the record.聽
Orange notes, 鈥淢any people would use this opportunity to come back home and catch up with old friends. Kids loved it, because what kid doesn鈥檛 love watching a bunch of cars smashing into each other on purpose.鈥澛�
This year鈥檚 derby is scheduled to commence at 2 p.m. on Canada Day, but all cars are required to be in the pit between 9:00 and 11:00 that morning. Prize awards for first, second and third will be issued in the amounts of $2000, $1000, and $500, respectively.聽
An unusual twist for this year鈥檚 event is the first ever hosting of lawnmower races, where competitors rig up their machines and compete against one another. According to the MADRA secretary, 鈥淪pectators will be charged a fee of $5 for the event at the gate.鈥澛�
Keeping with tradition, the annual demolition derby will be followed by the Medstead pit BBQ supper at the arena.
Ron Jesse is acting as point person for the demolition derby and is making himself available to those seeking further information and rules for the occasion. He can be reached at 306-441-8277.
