High Desert Dad’s Day: Museum, Demolition Derby

Many dads around Central Oregon spent this Fathers Day, well, being a dad and hanging with their kids, at home or on fun trips, from educational to just plain loud. . The High Desert Museum just south of Bend offered free admission to all dads on Sunday.

Dads and kids walked through tons of educational exhibits, got to meet lots of animals and even saw a raptor show. Most kids said even though everything at the museum was exciting, the best part of the museum was spending time with their dads. (Watch the accompanying video to see what some told us.)

In Redmond, other dads spent time with their kids while watching the Bend Sunrise Lions Club’s 42nd annual Demolition Derby at the Redmond Expo Center.

The event started with a parade of cars, which the audience got to vote on for best decorations. Then came the main event: the demolition competition where five different car categories competed.

“This is our major fundraiser for the year,” said a member of the Lions Club. “The Bend Sunrise Lions Club helps our local community with sight and hearing projects for people who cannot afford glasses or hearing aids. This is very important to us, and everybody attending here == that’s greatly appreciated.”

Last year, the derby brought in more than 6,500 spectators.