It was mentioned in conversation back in 2013, at JCI’s National Convention in Québec City. “Our big event in Humboldt is the Demolition Derby – the entire town gets involved and it raises a lot of funds for the community… you should come check it out!” said
JCI Humboldt member Aaron Prunkl.
Now 10 months later, I find myself in a car with fellow Winnipeg Jaycee Brandi White, on the open road to the little town of Humboldt, SK… home to rolling landscapes, Germanic inspired buildings and 6000 of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, some of whom make up the JCI Humboldt chapter. Our destination was JCI Humboldt President Amanda Klitch’s home, where we were going to be spending the weekend taking part in their signature event, the same one we caught wind of back in Quebec City!
The Humboldt community is very proud of their local JCI chapter, which has recently finished a project that brought a Spray Park for the towns’ youth. JCI Humboldt is now leading a project to build new exhibition grounds in order to host more activities, including the Demolition Derby, a town favorite.
After a tour of Humboldt, we headed out to the Summer Sizzler Cabaret, an annual social at the curling club. We were greeted with big smiles and warm hugs by every Jaycee we met, we were treated like family. “Little Wicked”, a Winnipeg band soon took the stage and performed for the people of Humboldt as the Jaycess stayed busy selling tickets, mingling with their townsfolk and promoting the Demolition Derby taking place the following day. We couldn't have asked for a better evening full of fun with purpose.
Saturday morning was pouring rain, and the town was getting ready for their annual parade. Being a farming community, the high-end tractors were out in full force, along with floats decorated by the local businesses, ATV’s with decorated riders and antique cars braving the wet conditions to parade down the town’s main street. There may have been a few more people watching the parade from inside their cars. Staying dry, Humboldt was there in support of the weekends activities – and that is a part of what makes this community so awesome!
The Demolition Derby was next on the agenda. With no confirmed drivers as of 9AM, the exhibition grounds were empty and I was curious how the event would come together without confirmed commitments. (As a planner, I try not to leave too much to chance!) This is where Brandi and I were able to witness how great JCI Humboldt is at working with the community and raising money! Their mantra of “host it and they will come” proved true, and by noon the cars were lining up to register at the JCI Camper at the derby grounds and people were slowly trickling in.
I witnessed past and present Jaycees coming together with the community to make this event a resounding success. Past JCI Senators, Presidents and members were all making contributions to this event. A past JCI Humboldt president helped push mud to create the Derby Ring, past JCI members completed vehicle inspections and we even had past JCI members present who had founded the Demolition Derby 43 years ago.
The Fire Department was on scene as well and were called to action when some cars caught fire. Andy, from the local radio station and JCI member, covered the event. Everywhere, you could see the bright orange t-shirts of volunteer event staff making sure people were having fun, being safe, and selling 50/50 tickets or keeping an eye on the beer tent. Everyone stepped up and had a great time doing it! As the first car pulled into the ring, the sun poked out of the clouds and soon after, the engines roared, the crowds cheered enthusiastically as the cars smashed into one another. The
Demolition Derby was underway.
This event raised over $20K for JCI Humboldt’s new exhibition grounds and shows the potential that can be achieved by a local JCI group.
To our hosts in Humboldt, thanks so much for the hospitality, and letting us tag along for the ride - You can trust there will be some Winnipeggers back next year to see the magic happen once again!
Danelle Hueging
JCI Winnipeg President
