As the sun set on a Friday evening in New Alexandria, the smell of sauerkraut, burnt popcorn and gasoline fumes filled the air.
Nearly 3,000 enthusiasts lined up around the block, carrying vinyl tarps and sheets of clear plastic.
They waited patiently to enter the New Alexandria Lions Club demolition derby arena, located just off the intersection of routes 119 and 22, for an anticipated evening of mudslinging fun with family and friends — and maybe an explosion or two.
Every summer since the early 1970s, motorheads from near and far have gathered in this small Westmoreland County town to smash cars and souped-up lawn tractors into one another in the name of charity.
The Lions Club holds the derbies to benefit local charities, collecting about $55,000 to donate to more than 40 organizations, even after awarding the drivers prize money.
Other derby events are scheduled for Friday, and then on July 11 and 18 and Aug. 8 and 22. Each begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets cost $8, or $2 for kids ages 6 or younger. Entry fees are $30, with pit passes priced at $15 and pit parking passes at $12.
Brian F. Henry is a Trib Total Media photographer. Reach him at bhenry@tribweb.com.
