ROCHESTER — Based on the overwhelming response from the first school bus demolition derby Friday night, organizers felt an encore was appropriate this weekend.

As a result, another school bus demolition derby is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. to help finish up the 137th annual Rochester Fair, which ends its 10-day run Sunday.

General Manager Mark Perry said at least 2,000 spectators filled the grandstands to capacity, and at least as many people — possibly totaling 5,000 eager fans — crowded around the walls to see Friday night’s derby.

“We absolutely had to — the requests are off the wall,” said Perry. He said so many people were disappointed they couldn’t attend the derby that the fair decided to hold another one, as organizers are bringing buses from as far away as New Jersey.

“I think this is going to be bigger (than opening night),” Perry said.

Seven buses competed in the first derby, but as many as 10 could take part in the encore performance, he said.

Perry said the gamble to use buses proved fortunate since fewer people are participating in the regular demolition derby. As a result, the fair combined the last two derbies in one final event on Sunday.

The fair’s $12 admission includes access to all mechanical rides, some hour-long events — such as Circus Hollywood and the Paul Bunyan Lumber Jack Show — and several shorter shows like the Magic Trunk, the Barnyard Cackle Review and Hollywood Racing Pigs.

Perry said the extra cost for the school bus demolition derby — $5 for the grandstands and $7 for box seats — helps pay for the purse for the winners. He said admission to the other derbies is $6, and $8 for box seats.

“People just love something different,” Perry said. “No other fair dares to do this.”

Perry said it seems consumer confidence is up as attendance has been great at the fair this year — except during the heavy rains on Tuesday.

While the crowds seem to be larger than usual, Perry said the fair has seen few problems. He credits that to the highly visible presence of the Rochester police, who patrol the area and respond quickly to issues, such as the man who grabbed a handful of cash from the main ticket booth.

“They had this gentleman in custody within minutes,” Perry said.

Perry credits the increase in crowds to the low prices and high value.

For more information or to find a complete schedule of events or vendors, visit www.rochesterfair.com.

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John Quinn may be reached at jquinn@newstote.com.