Area high schools paint school buses for competition, demolition derby
WASHINGTON – Ten Washington County high school bands will be seeking a portion of more than $2,000 in prize money during Band Night at the Washington County Fair Wednesday. The students from California, Bethlehem-Center, Bentworth, Charleroi, Ringgold, Fort Cherry, Burgettstown, Peters Township, Chartiers-Houston and Avella high school bands gathered Aug. 6 for Signature Night, when each band paints a bus for each district.
“We’ve given them a theme and they have to paint the bus based on that. This year’s theme is “Instruments Gone Wild,” said Don Litman, fair director. “It’s unbelievable the talent these kids have.”
The buses are judged, with prize money of $100, $75, and $50 going to the bands from the top three districts.
“It’s all about the school and school spirit. To me, Signature Night is more fun for the kids even than the demolition derby,” Litman said.
Gardner said the bands aren’t actually judged on their performances on Band Night. She said those performances are an exhibition, but the schools still have a chance to win some money.
“They have a “Spin to Win” wheel with the names of all 10 schools on it. They spin it three times and the winning school each spin receives $500,” Gardner said.
There’s more money on the line when the painted buses enter the demolition arena following the band performances. The buses still running after three heats enter the feature derby, Litman said, with the band that painted the winning bus receiving $500.
“The driver, all he gets is a plaque saying he won the derby and bragging rights for a year,” Litman said.
This is the eighth year for the school bus demolition derby at the Washington County Fair.
“The kids are having fun and it’s great entertainment, but it also shows how much abuse these buses can take,” Litman said.
Litman said all of the drivers are volunteers who are working at the fair for the week.
“The guys who run the derby take safety very seriously. If there’s a chance the driver could get hurt, we take him out,” Litman said.
The bands will perform Wednesday at 6 p.m., followed by the bus demolition derby at 8 p.m.