NORWOOD – Expect an extra dose of adrenaline at this summer’s San Miguel Basin Fair and Rodeo as this year’s annual event in Norwood, coming July 20-28, will feature a demolition derby for the first time. And drivers are needed.

San Miguel County Fairgrounds Manager DeeAnna Burbridge says the Fair Board of Directors is always looking to make the event more fun and exciting. After adding a freestyle motocross to the lineup last year, they decided to add the gear-grinding fun of a demolition derby to the mix this year.

“We decided to do something new and exciting,” Burbridge says. “Most of the fair events take place during the rodeo weekend and the Fair Board wanted to make the celebration last longer. Last year they added the freestyle motocross and this year they added the demolition derby.”

To make sure the demolition derby becomes a reality, Burbridge says drivers are needed. Fair organizers have solicited the help of Fred Carson, organizer of the Delta County Fair’s demolition derby in Hotchkiss, who says at least 15 cars are needed to hold three heats. Four drivers from the Delta County area are already scheduled to participate, which means the fair needs a minimum of seven to ten local drivers to complete the derby.

Interested drivers must be 16 or older and have a valid driver’s license. The deadline to enter is May 28 and the entry fee is $50. Cash prizes, including a $1,000 first-place prize, will be awarded.

The freestyle motocross will happen again this year, as well. It has been renamed the Garrett Carothers Memorial motocross exhibition, in memory of the Norwood High School student who died in a snowmobile accident last March.

“Garrett’s parents and the Wright Stuff Foundation decided it kind of fit together,” she says. “The exhibition will be a fundraiser for Wright Stuff and they will donate 10 percent of the proceeds to the Garrett Carothers Scholarship Fund.”

Along with the return of the motocross exhibition, Burbridge says, after a one-year hiatus, the carnival will return to the fair this year, as well. Of course, the fair will include its popular mainstays, including the dessert contest, rodeo and livestock show. With a week chock full of events, Burbridge says she hopes people begin planning for the week ahead of time so they don’t have to miss any of the action.

Carnival passes can be purchased in advance for $18 ($25 at the gate); rodeo tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under; admission to the demolition derby is $7 for adults and $4 for children; and tickets for the Garrett Carothers Memorial motocross exhibition are $10 in advance, $15 at gate, and $8 for children.

Burbridge said fair organizers are working with Telluride lodging establishments to create transportation arrangements and packages for those coming from the east end of the county. For more information on events or to participate in the demolition derby as a driver or car sponsor, contact Burbridge at 327-4321 or smcfairgrounds@yahoo.com.

gjarvis@watchnewspapers.com or @gusgusj