Smashing good time in Colusa
Dozens rolled into Colusa on Saturday to cheer for a series of heroically intentional car wrecks.
The Colusa County Firefighters Association hosted its second annual demolition derby Saturday at the Colusa County Fairgrounds.
Exact numbers were not available, but firefighters estimated nearly 600 turned out to cheer, and about 34 showed up to drive.
Logan Conley, a spokesman for the firefighters, acknowledged that event participation was down from last year, but called it "a sign of the times."
"I think everybody's trying to save some money by staying home, but those that did come seemed to have a really good time," Conley said.
Despite a slightly disappointing turnout, dozens still came from throughout the Mid-Valley area.
Willows' Frank Hurlburt said he pulled a team together and rebuilt an engine in less than three days.
Hurlburt, 24, said the team worked hard on the decrepit 1972 Ford Country Wagon and said he was proud of the team for whipping the vehicle into competition shape.
"This thing probably hasn't run for 20 years," Hurlburt said. "And we got into it and got it fired right up."
Colusa's Jerry Muniz said he has been running his rebuilt 1973 Thunderbird for about four months. Saturday was Muniz's second year in derby competition.
"I like it because it brings a smile to my son's face," Muniz said before the competition.
Muniz, 23, said his 2-year-old son, Isaac, was probably his biggest fan.
"He loves it," Muniz said.
A hot pink derby car got the most buzz — but not the win — and raised more than $1,000 for breast cancer awareness and treatment in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The car, with its signature pink ribbons, was a joint effort by Selover's Auto Shop and others in memory of Richard Selover's mother, Phoebe, who died from breast cancer in June.
"It was a labor of love, especially for our son (Richard Jr.)," Lisa Selover said. "He loved his grandmother."
Donna Phelan won the opportunity to drive the car in a raffle that raised money for the Colusa County Breast Cancer Foundation.
TCN reporter Susan Meeker contributed to this report.
