Just Crushing | (a smashing success)

The day was sweltering, engines hummed, and five polarizing issues were in the mix!

The Dubuque County Fair generously held a special heat for Just Crushing on July 27th, 2025. Climate Change, Democracy, Discrimination, Mental Health, and Reproductive Rights speedily tussled and crashed, scuffing each car’s glowing facade until wheels fell off and motors stalled. Big Boy’s commentary, guided by statements written by each design team, stirred the crowd and energized each driver to persist and rally. In the end, Reproductive Rights steamed and sputtered in a final gesture of resilience as the winner!

The fair became an ideal setting to reach a large audience, incite reflection, and encourage direct communication within and across differences. With color and collisions, the project offered a live demonstration of collective inquiry and participatory conversation. Created by 24 teen collaborators from eastern Iowa and 2024-25 Big Field Fund Project Grantees Allison Rowe and Nancy Nowacek of Working Group, this political demolition derby was a smashing sight!

Watch a clip from the day here. Congrats to all involved!

Photos courtesy Ricardo Rangel