As the Season Ender Bender, held on Sat., Oct. 14 at the fairgrounds in Chesterville, got underway, the first contest was the Power Wheels. There was a lot of appreciation from the audience when a group of youngsters drove their electric cars, under the watchful eye of organizers and parents, for a few minutes before receiving their participation trophy. Dad Cory McDonald was on hand to cheer for his son Conley during the event. In the driver’s seat, Conley is seen with his trophy with sister Tatianna patiently waiting for them to drive off. See page 2 for the full story.  Thompson Goddard Photo

CHESTERVILLE – The weather cooperated, the crowds arrived, and 69 vehicles participated in the 2023 Season Ender Bender held at the fairgrounds in Chesterville on Oct. 14. It was hosted by the Chesterville & District Agricultural Society and organized by Ontario Demo Derby as a fundraiser for the CDAS.

Jim Grant from Ontario Demo Derby explained the event has been held for a few years and is the last derby of the season. CDAS president Ann Vanderlind commented there were just over a thousand people attending the event this year, with the grandstands and bleachers almost full of spectators ready to enjoy the final demo derby.

“A big thank you to all the volunteers and guests who attended our 2023 Ender Bender! Your support made the event a huge success. See you next year!” said Vanderlind. She thanked event sponsors which included: Storm Internet; Neal’s Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration; Princess Auto, E.C. Carruthers & Sons; BGM RV Centre and Thompson Electric before saying a special thank you to Ontario Demo Derby. Firefighters from the North Dundas Fire Station in Chesterville were on hand to ensure the safety of participants during the derby. There were several food vendors, including the Chesterville & District Lions Club, available for people to enjoy refreshments.

Derby head official, Damien Graham reported to The Record there were 69 vehicles registered to participate in the Derby. Winners in the 2023 Season Ender Bender demo derby were provided by Graham and those in first place are provided: Youth Demo-X – First Place: Genevieve Gilby Serabian; Demo X Heat Winners: Jonathan Chretien, Wade Delgreco and Robbie Chartier; Demo X Feature: Jonathan Chretien; Midsize: Rob Agnew; Junk Run: Jesse Schultz; Trucks: Ben Keller; Fullsize: Dave Cox and Mini: Robbie Chartier.