Engines Roared and Crowds Cheered: Glendon Derby Draws 3,000 Fans

The  village of Glendon came alive earlier this month as more than 3,000 fans packed into town for the annual Glendon Mud Bogs and Derby. The roar of engines, the crunch of metal, and the cheers from the stands made for one of the community’s biggest and best weekends of the year.

A Full House and High Energy

Ken Psysyk of the Glendon Ag Society said the energy from the fans made all the difference.

“When drivers climb out of their cars and hear that cheering, it makes their day so much better,” he said.

Parking lots, bleachers, and sidelines were filled to capacity, with spectators making plenty of noise from start to finish. Attendance has held steady around 3,000 for the past few years, proving the derby is a must-see summer tradition in Glendon.

Community Effort Behind the Scenes

The event’s success comes down to the entire community pitching in.

• The Village of Glendon provided the grounds, cut the grass, and organized the parade.

• The Farmer’s Market team, Seniors pancake breakfast, and Fire Department barbecue kept bellies full.

• Groups like the Shanko Dance Club, admissions crew, bartenders, and cleanup team all kept the day running smoothly.

Add in dozens of volunteers, judges, registration staff, and operators, and it was clear—this was a team effort.

“Every small improvement each year makes the show better,” Psysyk said.

Mud, Metal, and Mayhem

This year saw 15 trucks, 14 cars, and 34 mud boggers compete in the ring. Fans were treated to the perfect mix of roaring horsepower and hard-hitting derby action.

Looking ahead, organizers plan to run the mud bogs and the derby at the same time in 2026, giving drivers more runs and fans even more non-stop action.

 Arena Project and 2026 Date

Glendon is also busy with upgrades to its arena, where major renovations—including a complete concrete pour—are underway. While the project is slightly behind schedule, Psysyk said big progress is being made and updates will be shared soon.

As for the derby, fans can already circle their calendars: the next Glendon Derby and Mud Bogs are set for August 8, 2026.

Harvest Dance Coming This Fall

The Ag Society isn’t slowing down. Up next is a Harvest Dance in September, complete with supper, a brand-new game show, and live music. Locals can find details on the Glendon Demolition Derby Facebook page, where videos and photos from this year’s event are also posted.

“Small Town, Big Heart”

For Psysyk, the derby is proof of what a community can achieve when everyone works together.

“Small communities—when we come together, big things happen,” he said.

And in Glendon, the roar of the derby is more than just a day of fun. It’s a celebration of teamwork, tradition, and hometown pride.