Gates open at 5 p.m. for the final event of fair

More than $4,000 in cash prizes await the winners of the 24th annual demolition derby at the Northwest Montana Fair today.

Gates open at 5 p.m. at the grandstand with a start time of 6 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $8 for youths 6 to 12; purchase at the gate or online at www.nwmtfair.com.

Tonight’s show also will feature all-terrain vehicle barrel racing during the two 30-minute intermissions.

Entrants must be 18 or older; participants can register and pay a $25 open-class fee from noon to 4 p.m. in the north parking lot at the fairgrounds.

Derby drivers also can register at the same time and place.

The South Kalispell Fire Department will officiate the show.

Fire Capt. Mike Jones said the first-place demo derby driver will win $1,800 plus a jacket and trophy. The second place winner gets $1,000 and a trophy; third place is $700 and a trophy. There’s a $200 prize for the best-looking car and the top four qualifiers in both heats earn $200.