Hildale, UT – The roar of engines and the crunch of metal filled the air on the Fourth of July as hundreds gathered at the Stubbs field for Hildale’s 5th annual demolition derby. The event, which started at noon, saw spectators eagerly enjoying the unique Independence Day entertainment from the hillside and atop vehicles around a circle of hay bales, which served as a safety barrier for the action within.
The tradition of the July 4th derby began during a challenging time. “It started during COVID when no one in the country was allowed to do anything, so we decided to do a derby on the 4th of July,” recalled Ruth Jessop, one of the event’s organizers. What began as a creative response to pandemic restrictions has now become a cherished annual event.
This year’s derby was held in an area known to the community as the David Stubbs field, the empty lot across from Water Canyon School on Utah Avenue in Hildale. Five vehicles bravely entered the arena, vying for the title of last car running. In a surprising and entertaining twist, the last vehicle still moving at the end of the dusty, high-octane spectacle was a minivan, driven by 16-year-old Raymond Jessop Jr.
Raymond Jessop Jr. and his buddies eagerly anticipate this event each year. They dedicate weeks leading up to the derby, meticulously preparing their vehicle. This involves removing all glass and airbags for safety, then spray-painting the outside of the vehicle with the festive colors of Independence Day.
The event, which brought significant entertainment to the community, was originally started by Ray Jessop and the David Stubbs family, solidifying its roots as a grassroots celebration for the holiday. As the derby wrapped up its fifth year, it continues to be a unique and eagerly anticipated part of the Independence Day festivities in Hildale, drawing crowds with its raw excitement and community spirit.
