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County Fairs

© Finn O'Hara

County Fairs have held a rich and long tradition in the rural pockets across Canada. Some are older than Canada itself, and the competitions and traditions that are held can be traced back through the families that still attend these exhibitions.

Many competitions are held over the weekends alongside more traditional activities like horse pulling, livestock competitions, and tractor pulls. But make no mistake, the Demolition Derby is now the main event.

The proceedings generally start with a 'fashion' show, which involves the competing cars parading through the competition derby area to show off the custom paint jobs and other customization that the drivers have put into their cars.

After a lot of flying mud, twisted metal and smoking engines, the last driver whose vehicle is still operational is awarded the victory.

With the greening and rapid modernizing of western society, the days of the Demolition Derby and County Fair are surely numbered. After all, who would go watch a few dozen Hybrids and Electric cars bounce into one another? These photos depict a whole counter-culture which may well be on the brink of extinction.

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