BROWNSTOWN — It was an action-packed Friday evening at the Jackson County Fairgrounds.
For the first time — likely in fair history — the grandstands were filled with fans ready to see monster trucks.
Unfortunately, it was a scorching hot evening thanks to temperatures in the mid-90s and high humidity, but the show — operated by the Monster Truck Racing League — went on anyway.
It consisted of multiple events, including one where the monster trucks had to perform two stunts and then be judged by the crowd. There also were other events, such as racing and freestyle.
Fans seemed to enjoy the fact they could watch monster trucks in their backyard instead of having to travel for hours.
“I’m really excited they were able to get monster trucks out here for the kids,” Brent Bush of Tampico said. “It keeps you from having to drive to Indianapolis or Louisville and allows them to find fun here in Brownstown.”
Brent’s 5-year-old son, Leelan, was amazed at the atmosphere in the grandstands of what is normally Brownstown Speedway.
“My favorite trucks are the green one (Tantrum) and the blue one (American Outlaw),” he said. “I’ve been a fan of monster trucks since I was 3 years old. My goal is to be a monster truck driver when I grow up.”
The competitors included Brandon Overmeyer (American Outlaw), Josh Holman (Godzilla), Randy Barton (Bugzilla) and Ryan Holman (Amped Up).
The two-stunt competition led off the evening but with unfortunate news for Obermeyer in American Outlaw after he landed a high jump and blew out his driveline, sidelining him for the evening.
Amped Up was able to win the competition and win the racing contest later in the evening. Barton’s Bugzilla was able to take the top spot in freestyle.
“I’ve been coming to shows since I was a little kid,” Brent Bush said. “I remember going around the state to see them with my dad, and I’m glad I can do it with my son. We share that same special bond.”
Tantrum was a truck brought to the show to give ridealongs to fans who showed up early. Dozens of children and their parents climbed aboard the truck and rode around the track.
Jackson County Fairgrounds Grandstand Chairman Mark Norman spoke about the experience.
“The people absolutely loved the ridealongs. I saw many kids leave with smiles on their faces, and it made it so cool,” he said. “Every person I spoke with about the experience was happy with it. We plan to have this another time at the Jackson County Fair. The scorching weather kept some people away from the event.”
Norman assured the fair would try the monster trucks another time in hopes for a better outcome.
“I think we expected a little more people,” he said. “Usually on Friday nights, it’s pretty packed. It was a great show, and we’ve been discussing doing it again. You always have to try things twice. We just needed some better weather, in my opinion. The 2023 fair has officially wrapped up. Now, we look to 2024.”