The Sick Town Dames are Derby Ready!

Anticipation grows and adrenaline builds as the Sick Town Derby Dames prepare to compete in their first bout in several years.

The Derby Dames returned to their practice space at the historic Lake Park Roller Rink in April after two long years of hard work and fundraising related to structural repairs and rink restoration efforts. Now that they’ve passed framing, electrical, and fire marshal inspections, the Derby Dames are able to hold regular practices and boot camp training sessions for new and beginner-level skaters.

A determined and savvy group of Derby Dame vets, new league members, and junior-turned-adult league skaters will compete against the Cherry City Roller Derby Rookies at The Mad House in Salem this Saturday, Sept. 10. The CCDG Mad House is located at 1335 Madison Street NE. Saturday’s bout will serve as the kick-off event for the Cherry City Roller Girls’ 2016-2017 season.

While the skaters are back to practicing at their home space, efforts to restore the Lake Park Roller Rink continue and donations are always accepted. The Derby Dames are a registered 501 C3 nonprofit organization and monetary donations are tax deductible. Currently, they are looking for help to continue their restoration project, and the Dames welcome new league volunteers and skaters. To find out more info about upcoming events, bouts, fundraisers, and boot camp sessions for new skaters, visit www.sicktownderbydames.com.

If you’re ready to put on a pair of skates and give derby a try right now, a new skater boot camp orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Lake Park Roller Rink, located at 6410 NW Hwy 99 in Corvallis.

Tickets for this Saturday’s game are available for advance purchase online from Brown Paper Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2593557. A limited number of tickets are also available at Hit This! Derby Gear (located inside the Mad House), Kay’s World of Wigs, O’Boy Studios, Santiam Brewing, and Venti’s Cafe and Basement Bar in downtown Salem.

General admission prices are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and $5 for kids ages 6 and under. Doors open for Saturday’s event at 6 p.m., and the bout starts at 7 p.m. Beverages and food will be available for purchase.

By Abbie Tumbleson