Friday night of the Routt County Fair is traditionally a high-energy, thrilling showcase that dazzles crowds and sparks pride for the county’s heritage.

This year is no exception.

Though the popular demolition derby will not be returning to the fair this year, it will be replaced with the Senergy Petroleum Octane Addictions show, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the outdoor arena in Hayden. 

Octane Addictions is an extreme freestyle motorsports show where fans can expect to see riders perform high-flying tricks off of professional motorcycle jumps. The event includes a number of professional motorsports athletes who are there specifically to showcase their talents in a daring way. 

Routt County Public Works Facilities Division Manager Joe Stepan said a number of considerations led to the decision to forgo the demolition derby and give fans a new type of performance for the Friday night show. 

With a new outdoor arena in Hayden, Stepan said one of the main reasons was because they wanted to get familiar with the new space before hosting something as large and potentially chaotic as a demolition derby. 

“Further, and more importantly, it was a natural time to highlight a new event,” Stepan explained. “The fair is successful because of the heritage and tradition, but future success will come through combining tradition with new events and attractions.” 

In addition to the thrills of the event, there will also be a royalty crowning that will take place during the intermission of the Octane show. Routt County Fair royalty consists of a queen and an attendant who will work as a team to provide many services throughout the duration of the fair. 

The royalty also works to help promote the fair throughout the year and will perform a ceremonial transfer of the crown, passing the title on to the fair queen and attendant for next year. 

This year’s stick horse rodeo has been canceled. 

As of Wednesday afternoon, tickets for the Octane Addictions show were still available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit TinyURL.com/2xrttd4h. Tickets are required to attend the event.