Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared LambPictured in the arena, from left, are Trevor Shedden, Jared Lamb, and Jared's mom, Julie Lamb. Jared was recognized prior to the start of the derby on Friday, and nearby the "Team Jared" car, designed by Trevor. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Last night’s demo derby was packed full of action, and welcomed a special guest to the track before the first heat. Jared Lamb, Special Olympian and Tioga Central student that traveled to Abu Dhabi to compete internationally, made his was to the fair to support his friend, Trevor Shedden, who designed his 6-cylinder 2000 Mercury Sable with a patriotic theme – and did so in honor of Jared.

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
Pictured, from left, are Trevor Shedden and his longtime friend, Special Olympian Jared Lamb. (Photo by Wendy Post)

On the hood of Shedden’s demo car, painted lettering read, “First Seattle and then Abu Dhabi – what’s next?” The rear of the car had an American flag hanging off of a post that was integrated in to the demo car.

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
Trevor Shedden and Jared Lamb enter the arena in the “Team Jared” car. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Shedden, along with other classmates, friends, and fans of Jared Lamb, all greeted him when he arrived on Friday night in the derby pits, and with his mom, Julie. Some of them were wearing Team Jared shirts as they surrounded the car.

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
The Power Wheels Derby on Friday. (Photo by Wendy Post)

The Power Wheels, for the younger drivers, took place on the track for about a half an hour, and then an introduction of Team Jared and the car took to the track.

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
Guy Raymond Jr. puts together the Power Wheels Cars for his niece and nephew, Karson and Paisley. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Lamb, in the passengers seat and next to his friend Trevor, came into the arena and the announcer introduced Jared, giving a brief history of his Special Olympic journey. The fans in the grandstand roared, many standing to honor this hometown hero. Lamb’s determination during the International Special Olympics in the spring was a shining example to all of the drivers that worked tirelessly throughout the year on their derby cars.

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
Derby cars get their finishing touches added in the pit. (Photo by Wendy Post)

For Trevor Shedden, he stated that he started working on the “Team Jared” car about six months ago. Shedden was also running a second car on Friday, a 4-cylinder Hyundai Elantra.

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
The Judson Family ran four cars on Friday. On the first night of the derby, they earned 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place in their heats. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Shedden is also a fourth-generation derby driver. He explained that his great grandfather, John Green, Sr.; his grandfather, John Green, Jr.; and John’s son and Trevor’s uncle, Jim Green were all drivers.

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
Demo derby action on Friday. (Photo by Wendy Post)

When asked why he designed the car to honor Jared, Trevor stated, “To let him know he has support. We’re all very proud of him; having someone like him – it’s pretty cool.” The two grew up together in Tioga, and have been friends ever since.

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
Demo derby action on Friday. This car is struggling with the mud. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Jared’s mom, Julie Lamb, accompanied Jared to the derby on Friday to support him as well. According to Julie, it was Jared’s first time at a demolition derby.

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
Demo derby action on Friday. (Photo by Wendy Post)

While there, Julie was overcome by the amount of support and love that Jared was receiving. “It’s heartwarming to see how accepting the community is,” said Julie, adding, “He’s been all over doing things; these are his classmates.”

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
Demo derby action on Friday. (Photo by Wendy Post)

As for Trevor, he won his heat in last year’s derby, and was hoping to do even better last night.

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
Cars get cleared off the track after the first heat on Friday. (Photo by Wendy Post)

The fair continues today with rides opening at noon, a lumberjack competition at 10 a.m. and tractor pulls beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
Fire officials extinguish things prior to clearing the track on Friday, and after the first heat. (Photo by Wendy Post)

There will also be music by Hot Dogs & Gin, a popular regional band with 11-year-old phenom, Eamonn. Eamonn just finished a National Broadway Tour in various cities including Cleveland, West Palm Beach and Seattle, for the School of Rock musical!

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
Demo derby action on Friday. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Supporting Eamonn are his Dad, Doug Hubert (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mike Whittemore (keys, vocals, harmonica), Gordon Gottlieb (bass), and Steve “Shimes” Shimer (drums).

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
Pictured, is Hot Dogs and Gin. You can catch them on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Show Stage located on the fairgrounds. Provided photo.

The band will play for guests from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Agricultural Stage on the fairgrounds.

Fair has record turnout on Friday; welcomes Special Olympian Jared Lamb
Don’t forget about the rides, provided by Gillette Shows! The $10 gate fee will let you ride them all day. Rides open at noon.

Today’s gate fee is once again $10, and offers entry, unlimited rides, and the grandstand shows.

To learn more, visit www.tiogacofair.com.

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