The always popular and well-attended demolition derbies return to the 2025 Adams County Fair on July 6 and 12. (Photo by Mark Carpenter)
By Ryan Applegate
People’s Defender
The 2025 Adams County Fair is ready to deliver a week-long showcase of roaring engines, fierce competition, and the time-honored spirit of rural life, offering something to excite every fan of horsepower and farm machinery. From the thunderous roar of tractor pulls to the chaotic excitement of demolition derbies, this year’s fair offers a full schedule of adrenaline-fueled action set against the backdrop of Adams County’s rich agricultural heritage.
Kicking off on Sunday, July 6, the fairgrounds will come alive early in the day with the Micro Mini Tractor Pull, a fan favorite held at both 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. These pint-sized tractors may be small in stature, but they pack an impressive punch as they strain against the weight of the sled, driven by determined competitors who know that precision and power can come in miniature packages. That evening at 7 p.m., the Dirt Track Complex will host the first of two Demolition Derbies, where drivers will battle it out in a clangor of crumpled metal and flying mud. For many fairgoers, there is no greater spectacle than watching a lineup of battered cars slug it out until only one remains moving.
Monday, July 7 shifts gears with a different kind of skill and grit as the Rodeo comes to town at 8 p.m. While rodeo action promises thrills of its own, many fans will already be looking ahead to Tuesday’s dual attractions. The Lumber Jack Show will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Center Ring, showcasing timber sports such as log rolling, axe throwing, and speed sawing. Then, at 7 p.m., engines will roar back to life for Moto Cross at the Dirt Track Complex. Expect high-flying jumps, tight turns, and the unmistakable buzz of dirt bikes as riders put their skill and nerve to the test on the rugged track.
Wednesday, July 9 will see the return of Auto Cross at 7:30 p.m., a fast-paced event that challenges drivers to navigate a winding course as quickly as possible without sacrificing control. Fans can expect plenty of sliding corners and hard braking as competitors push their vehicles to the limits of traction.
TOn Thursday, July 10, one of the most anticipated events of the fair: the Sullivan Truck Pulls. Starting at 7 p.m. in the Dirt Track Complex, this event showcases massive trucks straining against the sled, their engines bellowing under the strain. It’s a classic test of torque and traction that never fails to draw a crowd eager to see which machine—and driver—will prove the strongest.
Friday, July 11 promises a full day of farm-focused activities, beginning with the Tractor Show from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Shade Tree Park. This gathering of restored and modern tractors offers a chance for enthusiasts to admire classic craftsmanship and the evolution of agricultural equipment up close. At noon, the Tractor Parade will rumble through the Center Ring, a beloved tradition that showcases the proud legacy of farming in Adams County. The day culminates with the Battle of the Bluegrass at 7 p.m. in the Dirt Track Complex. This headline tractor pull brings together some of the most powerful pulling machines in the region, each vying for bragging rights and the roar of an appreciative crowd. The spectacle of these mighty engines straining to drag the sled down the dirt track is as thrilling as motorsport gets.
Saturday, July 12 caps off the fair with a blend of agricultural fun and hard-hitting action. At 5 p.m., the Livestock Scramble in the Show Arena will see youngsters scrambling to catch livestock in a mad dash that never fails to entertain. At 5:30 p.m., the Barnyard Olympics will offer another dose of friendly competition in the Center Ring. But it’s the final Demolition Derby at 7 p.m. that will close the fair in spectacular fashion. Once again, drivers will rev their engines and smash their way toward victory under the summer night sky.
Whether you’re a die-hard gearhead, a tractor enthusiast, or simply looking for classic county fair excitement, this year’s Adams County Fair promises something for everyone. Be sure to mark your calendars and get your tickets early—these events are sure to draw crowds eager to witness the best in automotive and agricultural competition.
