Crank the Cream: Demolition Derby and Ice Cream Social
What People
Say
"I happen to live next door to manufacturers of the world's best vanilla
ice cream."-- Mary and Dave's next door neighbor, Yo D!, writing in
the Old West Side News
"No, I'm not gonna crank ... the whole idea of making ice cream yourself,
I don't get it ... if I want ice cream I go to Stucchi's, they make it for
ya."-- Doug B.
What happens when you violate the Cranker's Code?
Click the bucket to find out.
2007 Dates &Times
The date for 2007 is Saturday, ?? [we'll update details as the time gets closer] September ... 2007. Crank Start at the
usual location will be at 3:00pm. That means you need to be on site by
2:30pm. Earlier than 2:30pm is even better. Really. If you miss the
pre-Crank-Start repartee, you'll have missed a lot. Just think ... how
many times have you attended this event and not seen the pre-chilled
batter slosh into the canister, flooding over the little paddles (not
oars) of the dasher? How many times have you attended this event and not
seen the dasher-extraction? Do you even know what the dasher is? Here's a
hint: it ain't no reindeer. How many years have you hoped against hope
that you'd be allowed to turn the crank just one time ... just one time
around with the handle ... but missed all the cranking because you got
there too late?
And remember: don't park on Mary and Dave's street, no matter what time
you come.
Departure from the Ice Cream Social to the Saline Fair Demolition Derby
Finals will be no later than 5:00pm. Derby start time is scheduled for
7:00pm at the Saline Fairgrounds Grandstand.
Gosh, why are you so cranky?
Not every day is a happy-underwear kind of day.
Where can we park, if we can't park on the street?
There's about two car's worth of space in the driveway at Mary and Dave's.
Other options are at the bottom of the hill on Washington St. or across Liberty on 5th St. Carpooling is recommended.
How do you choose the date each year?
The date is determined by the Demolition Derby Finals held at the Saline Fair. It's typically the Saturday following Labor Day.
If the Derby doesn't start until 7:00pm, why do we have to end the Ice Cream Social so soon?
The Grandstand starts filling up around 6:00pm or even earlier. We want to allow plenty of time for a leisurely drive down to Saline, strolling through the exhibits, snuggling with the animals, and eating a hot dog or two before heading to the Main Event.
Does the Derby cost anything?
The $10.00 admission to the fair covers admission to the Demolition Derby, but not any of the rides or food.
What should I bring to the Ice Cream Social?
Don't bring anything. If you feel compelled by midwestern social norms to bring a food item, then make it something that complements ice cream (e.g., those little Pepperidge Farm tube-like wafers filled with icing). If you just have to bring a drink, make it something you like to drink.
Will there be real food served at the Ice Cream Social?
No. This is a snack, not a meal. Real food is available at the Derby.
When was the first Ice Cream/Derby event?
It was whatever year Princess Diana died. Somebody should look that up so that we know how many years we've been doing this.
What is the connection between ice cream and the Demolition Derby?
Nothing makes ice cream settle in your goozle better than burning rubber, crumpling metal, and flying mud.
Can I bring my kids?
Sure, but there's no crying allowed while cranking.
Do I have to go to the Derby?
No. You can come to the Ice Cream Social and skip the Derby ... or visa versa.
Getting to
the Derby
[Insert Directions and Map]
Post Derby Fun
[Insert Directions to Dan's]
The Chemistry
[Insert Science]