Ryan Schumacher has a unique itinerary for his vacation. He likes to crash cars.
But that's the idea behind participating in the Washington County Fair's demolition derby.
Originally from Omaha, Schumacher now lives in Tallahassee, Fla., and is spending vacation time visiting family - and smashing a 2003 Dodge Neon into other compact cars.
"Last year was the first year," he said. "I have the same car (this year). Usually, I come just to hang out and work."
But that changed last year when he stripped the interior of the Neon, welded the doors shut, bolted down the hood and painted it a military green. Decals on the car thank veterans for their service.
"It was actually my Uncle Mark's idea (to salute the veterans)," Schumacher said.
This year he added several American flags. Other than that, though, the car is the same as last year when he finished second in the division.
"You wouldn't think there would be any fun in it," he said. "(But) it's awesome. It's a lot of fun, not a whole lot of aggression. ... Hopefully the car still runs after we do."
Last year, Schumacher finished behind Dan Crawley, who works for J&S Auto in Fremont. Both were back to compete.
Crawley brought the Ford Escort wagon he won with last year. The only difference is the paint job - it's black with pink accents this year.
He had participated in these events before, but took a 14-year break prior to coming back last year.
"I stopped because I got married and had kids," Crawley said. "I just wanted to do it for fun.
"We had that sitting there and (the boss) was going to get rid of the junk car. So I said, ‘Let me run it.'"
Before they could enter the arena on Wednesday, Crawley and Schumacher had to watch three heats of the bigger cars run.
It was a standing-room-only crowd as the demolition derby wrapped up this year's Washington County Fair. A little flying mud didn't bother those in the crowd. In fact, it was kind of expected.
After the derby, High Heel performed in the new Two Rivers Bank Arena.
Still, there is an upcoming event for those who like speed, mud and the possibility of crashes. Figure 8 races are scheduled for Aug. 20 at the fairgrounds.
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