A jaw-dropping show of destruction by monster trucks captivated audiences at ODAS Park this weekend.
Edge Motorsports brought Monster Madness to the Orillia area for the first time Friday night and returned Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening. The show featured a demolition derby, racing, and monster truck drivers showing off their skills. All three events sold out well before showtime.
Janet Bisschop co-owns Edge Motorsports with her husband, Ralph Moore. They have presented demolition derbies and monster truck shows in Canada, the United States and Israel since 1987. They are also the folks behind the demolition derby at the Orillia Fall Fair.
“The crowds are amazing here,” Bisschop said. “We have people coming from all over when we do shows in Orillia.”
Monster Madness sold about 2,000 tickets to each of its three shows this weekend.
“I think it’s kind of surprised me,” Bisschop said. “The crowd gets right into and we had people come up to us at the end and say that this is an amazing show and they had a great time.”
The event seems to be the talk of the town. While staying at a local hotel, show organizers have overheard people in the lobby talking about it, especially young children.
“It’s exciting,” Bisschop said. “To see monster trucks live and in person is pretty exciting for everybody of all ages.”
There were five monster trucks in the show Saturday, four of which came from the Ottawa area.
Bisschop says the monster trucks could return to ODAS Park soon.
“Usually, when we have success in a city, we come back,” she said. “Maybe not right away, but within two years, for sure.”
Bisschop thanked the community for its support and hospitality this weekend.
“It’s been amazing,” she said. “Hopefully, we get to come back again.”
