FOOD AND FUN… Local food vendors provided guests an opportunity to grab a snack as they toured the expo.
POWER WHEELS… The kids kicked off the demolition derby with a round of their own.
LAST ONE STANDING… Each round of cars fought it out to be the grand prize winner.
(PHOTOS BY BREANA RELIFORD / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
CHAMPIONS… The top 3 stand with their trophies after round 2 of the demolition derby.
By: Breana Reliford
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Fairgrounds in Montpelier, Ohio are known for holding several interesting and popular events, such as the fair, FFA activities, local school activities, and more.
To add to that list, on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, the Williams County Auto Expo took place.
Organized by Tobi Fenicle and Mike Kimpel, the Auto Expo planned for a variety of events for those who love all things cars, such as an auto swap meet, a car show, and a demolition derby.
The car show was set to award owners according to public votes. The categories included Best Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, AMC, Buick, Pontiac, and Plymouth.
However, due to the rain, the car show didn’t have a large turnout. Still, a few determined owners still showed up to show off their prize winners.
Instead, the swap meet was moved underneath the grandstands so that vendors and buyers could still come out before the demolition derby.
Each vendor spot cost $25, and vendors brought several different car parts and memorabilia to sell. The setup began at 8:00 a.m., the meet was open at 9:00 a.m. and lasted until 4:00 p.m.
The demolition derby was soon to follow, with gates opening at 3:00 p.m. and a start time of 7:00 p.m., taking place at the grandstands. Tickets were $10 for grandstand seating or $15 for a pit pass.
Registration fees for participants were $50, and offered a grand prize of $1500, a runner-up prize of $750, and a third-place prize of $300.
The categories for the demo derby included “Compact Car Windshield”, “Full Size FWD or RWD Windshield”, and “1/2 Ton Full Size Truck Windshield”, each offering the first, second, and third place prize amounts separately.
The demolition derby, often being the most popular event, featured each category of vehicles with the goal of one vehicle left standing, who will win the top prize. It allowed fans to join the excitement and thrill, and cheer on the car they wanted to see take home the prize.
Overall, Williams County residents could still come out and brave the weather to enjoy some local automotive action.