Pony Express Days brings new meaning to “horse power”
Hayden Marble, 17, center, sends a text message to a friend from his perch on the thrashed hulk of his vehicle at the Pony Express Days Demolition Derby Friday, June 1, 2012, at the Eagle Mountain Pony Express Rodeo Grounds.
A driver gets T-boned at full speed by another contestant during a professional heat in this file photo from the 2012 Pony Express Days Demolition Derby. JORDAN STEAD / Daily Herald
Every year brings new twists on old traditions during the annual Pony Express Days.
As we have watched this community evolve from its humble beginnings as a resting point for the Pony Express to a thriving area supporting an expanding population, the idea of horse power has changed along with it.
On May 27, 28 and 30, Eagle Mountain invites fans young and old to whoop it up at the Pony Express Rodeo, a true Utah County favorite in these parts. Loaded with bucking broncos and raging bull riders, this rodeo series reminds us of a time when the horse was king and it had the speed to prove it.
Speaking of speed, Eagle Mountain is especially excited to host the Pony Express Demolition Derby at 6 p.m. June 4. Early bird ticket prices are $15 for adults and $5 for children 11 and younger. This event is guaranteed to put the “horse” in your horsepower.
For those unfamiliar with the purpose of a demolition derby (yes, there is a purpose), it may prove helpful to provide some basic rules and tips to better prepare you for your next demo derby experience:
1. Head-on crashes or smashing the driver’s door is prohibited. That’s right. Nailing the driver’s side on purpose will get you disqualified on the spot. Most likely a driver will also get slapped by his mom for being unsportsmanlike.
2. After impact, the car has a limited amount of time to either start moving on its own or call it a day. Some liken a demolition derby to a boxing match when the downed fighter is staggering to his feet. Watching a driver try to coax the car back to life is a lesson on determination and an unfailing spirit.
3. Also, each car has a limited amount of time to crash into another car. No scared-y cats allowed. While avoiding contact is a clever way to qualify for the next round, you can’t just drive around the perimeter until time runs out. The derby is about impact — and a lot of it.
4. No glass allowed. You may notice the cars are lacking windows. While this may have come about due to a pre-celebration rally or an act of frustration created by the construction delays at the Point of the Mountain, in truth, it’s part of the rules of the derby.
5. Ear plugs are helpful. Many of these cars are lacking mufflers. There’s a reason why they are called mufflers, and you’ll figure out why when you hear them roaring around the track.
6. Yes, the drivers are safe. While it may look like chaos, safety is always the top priority at this event. So, enjoy it!
“Watching a demolition derby is like watching life at its most primal moment,” explained Eileen Walker, an avid demo derby fan. “You’re going against everything you know is right.
“People are taught to drive safe and be polite and not cheer for car wrecks — things like that. At a demolition derby, all of that goes out the window. It’s a crazy experience.”
And, it’s an experience that often sells out. While it may not be an ideal time to discuss driving techniques to your young driver, it is a fun way to spend a day with your entire family.
“Pony Express Days is a great way for families to kick off their summer fun,” said Linda Peterson, communications and community relations director for Eagle Mountain. “We have a variety of events that are entertaining and budget-friendly.
“If you haven’t ever visited Eagle Mountain, we invite you to participate in Pony Express Days and associate with our wonderful community.”
For more information on the events schedule for Pony Express Days visit www.eaglemountaincity.org.