Dowagiac’s Andy Crocker will celebrate 20 years of competing in the Cass County Fair Demolition Derby Thursday night.

The derby is part of the fair’s grandstand entertainment. The event begins at 7 p.m. with a full slate of bone stock sedans, sedans and wagons, trucks and suburbans, mini trucks and mini vans, as well as mini cars.

Participants will be vying for $4,525 in prize money. McDonald Underground and Franger Gas Company are sponsoring this year’s demolition derby.

Admission is $6 for adults, $2 for children 6 to 12 and $1 for children 5 and under.

“My older brother dared me,” Crocker answered when asked how he got started. “His girlfriend’s mom had an old station wagon she gave us. He built it and I wrecked it.”

From there he was hooked.

“It is an evil addiction,” Crocker laughed. “The friendships, the kids, the fans, the adrenaline rush, the competitiveness. I’ve tried to get out of it a couple of times, but it lures me back.”

Crocker will be donating any winnings to the local
cancer society.

“Most of you know Laura’s (Kopaceski-Crocker) story,” he said. “I’m going to pay it forward.”

Crocker is challenging local businesses to match him with the same amount that he donates.

“Based on what place I finish, it could be $50 or a maximum of $500,” he said. “If you have accepted the challenge and I win, you donate $500.”

Crocker will put a sign or vinyl lettering on his car for free advertising for those who accept the challenge prior to “show time” Thursday.

Crocker already has several sponsors and friends onboard.