Demolition derby, rodeos set to celebrate Pioneer Day in Fairview

Sparks will be flying in more ways than one at Fairview Pioneer Days this week. And that doesn’t even include the fireworks. Starting Monday, July 17, there’s an event nearly every day leading up to Utah’s July 24th holiday. Tournaments, a parade, an artisan food market, rodeos, kids games and fine art shows — all of it. And don’t forget the cars — vintage vehicles, stunning sedans and demolition derby cars — and some ATVs, too. 

Demolition derby

KSL Cars will be there for one of the biggest events — the 38th annual Demolition Derby. KSL Cars has been the place to find cars for Utah demolition derby participants for years. But for 2023, it’s a contestant, too.

Voters chose the car design in June on KSL Classifieds and KSL Cars Instagram. Event volunteer and past winner Rex Jackson then took the reins, turning a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu into a contender. The Yeti-mobile will compete in the 90s class, vying for a $1,000 prize. Check out Chevrolets for sale

The Yeti-mobile will represent KSL Classifieds in the 2023 Fairview Demolition Derby. (Photo credit: Chad Hurst)

Following the opening act, Stock class drivers head into the arena to compete for the grand prize of $4,500. They typically drive modified cars from the 70s and 80s. There are also awards for the most aggressive drivers and the best paint job.

Want to see it in action? Tickets typically sell out early, but you could win some this week! Follow and comment on the designated post on @KSLClassifieds_Official and @KSLCarsOfficial  for a chance to win two tickets. Or, you might be lucky enough to find a couple on KSL Classifieds. The event begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 22.

Get in the driver’s seat

You may even be able to get into the arena yourself — enter the raffle for a chance to drive a ready-made demolition derby car. Tickets are $5 for one, or 5 for $20. You can pick those up at Fairview City Hall, Wild Rose Recycling or Express Auto Parts.

Last year's demolition derby car designs included everything from Mario Karts to ice cream bars. (Photo credit: Rex Jackson)

Car show

Before watching vehicles get destroyed, check out some that have been restored to their finest. The Vintage Car Show is also held on Saturday. It begins at 1 p.m. at the Fairview Museum of History and Art, where admission is free. Anyone interested in entering a vehicle in the show may register onsite at 9:30 a.m. and pay the $25 entrance fee. Browse classic cars for sale

Rodeos

What Pioneer Day celebration would be complete without a rodeo? Fairview doesn’t have one … it has three! The trifecta of rodeos kicks off on Thursday, July 20, at 7 p.m. at the Keller Arena with the Kid’s Rodeo. There’ll be mutton bustin’ for youth ages 8 and younger and steer ridin’ for ages 8 to 15. There’s barrel racing and calf roping, too. Pick up your $5 ticket at the city offices or at the gate. 

Stick around for day two when adult cowboys try their hand at the Rodeo. It begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and younger. 

Fairview Days offers three different rodeos for guests to attend. (Photo credit: Andre Ouellet)

On Monday, July 24, things get more motorized with an ATV Rodeo. You don’t need to be a local to participate, or even a farm animal. Bring your ride and test your skills in barrel racing, a 4x4 obstacle course or the side-by-side obstacle course. The event is divided into age groups: 8 to 12, 12 to 15 and 16 and older. If you’d rather just watch, tickets are $5 at the gate. You can pre-register to participate with Fairview City.

Artsy events

If you’re more interested in crafts than cars, there’s plenty for you to see as well. Friday is the opening of the 7th Annual Utah’s Beauty and Heritage Artwalk, held at the Fairview Museum from 3 to 5 p.m. If your day is too full, don’t worry. It continues through August 12.

On July 22, you can pick up some art from the Fairview Artisan Market. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., you’ll find handmade items created by locals and other artisans from around the state. Plan on appreciating artistry with your palate, too, when you pick up some tasty treats from the food vendors.

Parade

The only thing more obligatory than a 5K for a Pioneer Day celebration? A parade. And since Fairview likes to do things in threes, that’s how many you’ll get. On Friday, July 21, catch the horse parade at 6 p.m. Saturday, get up by 10:30 (or just sleep overnight) for the Kids Parade, followed by the Pioneer Day Parade. They all begin on the corner of State Street and 300 North and travel south.

Tournaments

There are several sports tournaments happening in conjunction with Fairview Pioneer Days.

Quit dinkin' around and participate in the pickleball tournament on Tuesday. (Photo credit: Aleksander Saks)

• Sand volleyball: Saturday, July 15, 6 p.m.

• Cornhole: Monday, July 17, 6 p.m.

• Pickleball: Tuesday, July 18, 6 p.m. 

• Tennis, singles: Thursday, July 20, 4 p.m.

• Tennis, doubles: Friday, July 21, 8 a.m.

Racing

Start your celebration (really) early on Saturday, July 22, at the family fun run. It begins at 6 a.m. The course runs through town and by several open fields.

Food and games

After the race, head over to the Fireman’s Breakfast at Iven Cox Park. That kicks off at 7 a.m. After a quick nap, bring your children — or grandchildren — back to the park at 1 p.m. for old-fashioned kid games. The day’s activities conclude at the Keller Arena with a fireworks display, which begins at 10 p.m.

Fairview's fireworks show will end the week with a bang. (Photo credit: Michael Fousert)

Skip the big city crowds for the long holiday weekend and head for the rural beauty of Fairview. There’s plenty to see and do — and eat. And be sure to check back with KSL Cars to see how the fan-picked design fared against the other demolition derby cars.