The Southwest Washington Fair is looking for a new partner for its demolition derby after its longtime organizers announced earlier this year that they would no longer do so.
After more than four decades, the Lewis County Demolition Derby Association previously announced it would no longer organize the fair’s annual demolition derby. The decision, promoter Lee Stiltner previously told The Chronicle, came after organizers struggled to find drivers.
“There’s just not enough interest in it anymore,” Stiltner said in an August interview. “It’s just not feasible.”
In recent years, organizers have scaled down and paired back the event. At its peak, the demolition derby would feature around 40 drivers, though only around a dozen drivers participated in recent years.
In 2022, organizers nixed a Tuesday night rally that was long a staple of the fair, though it continued to organize a Sunday afternoon derby. However, even with only one event instead of two, Stiltner said it became difficult to manage.
In an Oct. 23 Facebook post, the Southwest Washington Fair said it was looking for a partner for the 2025 fair. Those interested can call 360-740-1495 or email swwfair@lewiscountywa.gov.
“Also, a huge thank you to the Lewis County Demolition Derby Association for the amazing job they have done over the years and the partnership we have had with them,” the post states. “Thank you!”
Stiltner, who has helped organize the derby since 1982, said that finances for the event became challenging. With declining participation and the association struggled to bring in enough money to pay for prizes and associated expenses.
