News Summary
The Motorhome Madness event at the Orange County Fair brought together local police and fire chiefs for a thrilling demolition derby to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Participants drove old RVs in a friendly competition, raising nearly $30,000 for vital medical services. The event featured local city officials, community spirit, and generous donations from local businesses, showcasing the power of teamwork and solidarity in supporting children in need.
Motorhome Madness Hits Orange County Fair – Fire and Police Chiefs Go Head-to-Head for a Good Cause!
Orange County was buzzing with excitement as the annual Motorhome Madness event took center stage at the Orange County Fair! On two electrifying nights, local police and fire chiefs traded their uniforms for demolition derby thrills, hopping into old RVs and competing in a thrilling showdown to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).
RVs, Rams, and Raucous Fun!
Can you picture the scene? Fire and police chiefs from various cities came together to wreck it, well, in a playful way! The event attracted some big names from law enforcement, including Chiefs Rick Armendariz from Anaheim, Jeff Calvert from Laguna Beach, Rodney Cox from Fountain Valley, Sean deMetropolis of Orange, Joyce LaPointe from Costa Mesa, Jon Radus from Fullerton, and even the OC Sheriff Don Barnes.
As for the fire chiefs, they certainly brought the heat! Chiefs Jeff Boyles of Newport Beach, Niko King from Laguna Beach, Adam Loeser of Fullerton, Eric McCoy from Huntington Beach, and Dan Stefano of Costa Mesa were all in on the action, each with a trusty old RV at their side.
First Night’s Thrill: Rivals and Winners
The first night kicked off with a bang, and it was Chief Jeff Boyles who managed to last the longest behind the wheel, showing off his skills as he navigated the chaos of demolition. Sean deMetropolis and Don Barnes quickly followed suit, claiming the second and third spots, respectively. With the cheers of the lively crowd echoing through the fairgrounds, it was clear that this was an event to remember!
A Community Affair
The excitement didn’t stop with the action on the track. Local city officials joined the fray, participating in their own Figure 8 show! Council members and mayors from Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Laguna Beach were all on the roster, including Mayor Joe Stapleton and Mayor John Stephens. It was a real show of community spirit, making every twist and turn on the track even more thrilling.
Thanks to Generous Donors
Many of the RVs used in this grand showdown were generously donated by Southside Towing, who ensured these vehicles were up for the challenge by stripping them down and equipping them with safety features like roll bars. This thoughtful preparation added an extra layer of safety to the wonderfully wild show.
A Personal Touch
The event was fueled by heartfelt motivations, especially from Dave Padua, the owner of Southside Towing. After having a son treated at CHOC, Dave wanted to give back to the community, inspiring this unique fundraising effort. In fact, all the participants made special trips to CHOC to meet young patients before the event, encouraging them to do their best while igniting the spirit of solidarity.
Social Media Buzz and Amazing Fundraising
If you thought the action on the ground was impressive, the promotional efforts online were just as captivating! Participants shared their excitement on social media, with Rick Armendariz posting about CHOC and introducing a new motorhome aptly dubbed part of “the dent squad.” The posts raised awareness and excitement, which contributed to the intense energy of the event.
When all was said and done, this fantastic endeavor raised nearly $30,000! The funds are set to support vital medical services, programs, and research for children, showing just how impactful community action can be.
More to Come!
Not to be overshadowed, the OC Fair had an impressive lineup of other demolition derby events over the week, including the much-anticipated Orange Crush competition and the amazing Damsels of Destruction show. With Sunnyside Promotions Racing at the helm, the success of Motorhome Madness appears secured, making it a staple of the fair’s exciting offerings.
The event not only created wild and memorable moments but also reminded everyone of the incredible power of fun in supporting a greatly needed cause. Orange County surely knows how to rally together for children in need!
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Police and Fire Chiefs Local Politicians Have Smashing Time at OC Fair
- Los Angeles Times: O.C. Mayors, First Responders Bring Mayhem to Fairgrounds During Motorhome Madness
- Hudson Valley Country: Demolition Derby at Orange County Fair – Middletown
- Record Online: Orange County Fair 2025 Music, Rides, Lineup, Middletown Tickets
- Orange County Register: This Week July 30-Aug 3 at the OC Fair
- Wikipedia: Orange County Fair
- Google Search: Orange County Fair
- Google Scholar: Orange County Fair
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orange County Fair
- Google News: Orange County Fair
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
