The Second Annual Essex County Fair Car Flippin’ Contest Presented by “Haulin’ Junk” Junk Haulers

Holy moly, the main attraction! After watching some 4H-ers parade their pretty horses around in a big ring, we all ("w’all"?) headed over to the grand stand. There, about twenty feet beyond the front row of seats, could be seen a steel beam, touching the ground on one end and angled at about 30 degrees up in the air.

After an interminable amount of preliminary thank yous and other formalities, the three contestants lined up down the track a ways. The first was called to take his position. He did. Then he revved his engine and went as full speed as he could toward the ramp. (Not very fast. They don’t use very good cars for this.)

They hit the beam with one side of the car and, jerking the wheel at the last minute, flipped the cars right in front of us. They no longer accepted end-over-end flips. (It was deemed too dangerous after last year’s event.) But the car-nage was still sweet. I don’t remember who won, but all of the cars were pretty smashed in the end.

If they’re still doing it next year, I’ll be there!

The Second Annual Essex County Fair Car Flippin’ Contest Presented by “Haulin’ Junk” Junk Haulers