By Anna Skinner
The eighth annual Grand Junction Derby will once again bring Westfield residents to the intersection of Union and Main streets to watch derby cars race down a ramp and then be pushed to the finish line.
Derek and Conner Daly will be present during derby and the 3 p.m. tricycle race, designed for children who cannot race a derby car to race on the same street as the derby. Usually, 17 to 20 cars compete for the derby trophy.
“It’s a very unique concept because individuals submit a car. We see families working together, and it also incorporates businesses,” said Emily Clark, community events manager for the Westfield Parks and Recreation Dept. “We’ve seen a really big boom in businesses registering cars. It’s a good way to advertise the business.”
There is a competitive heat and a creative heat. Winners receive a trophy. There also is a people’s choice trophy.
The derby is free to watch and begins at 3:30 p.m. But Janus Developmental Service, a nonprofit in Noblesville designed to help those with disabilities contribute to the community, has partnered with the derby for the first time to host Janus at the Junction, a fundraising event for the organization. Food and beer will be sold at the event during the derby. Tickets to attend the fundraiser, which begins at 5:30 p.m., are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate.
“Janus came to us at the beginning of this year for ways to get more involved in Westfield because they are heavily involved in the other communities,” Clark said. “They thought downtown Westfield was the perfect location for something like this. They were interested in doing a concert and a beer fest, and so the first half of the day is the race and the second half of the day is Janus at the Junction.”
For more, visit enjoywestfieldevents.com.