ELORA – It’s time for racers to register and start getting their rides ready for the Canada Day Soap Box Derby in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington.
The event, now in its 73rd year, invites kids ages six to 16 to decorate their gravity-powered racers and put them to the test on Geddes Street in downtown Elora.
There are prizes for the fastest cars in four different divisions, as well as a prize for the most creative car.
“Soap box is a sentimental favourite in Elora,” BBBSCW executive director Brad Mulligan said in a news release. “It has been running for over 70 years, and it appears to be growing in popularity.”
Mulligan describes the derby as “a terrific adult-youth bonding event, which is something we strive for at Big Brothers.”
Former soap box derby champion Chris Etherington will be on hand to help with safety checks at the race.
In 1985, at age 12, Etherington was the Canadian Junior Champion and International Champion at the All-American Soap Box Derby. Starting at age four, he built soap box derby cars with his father.
“I look forward to sharing my knowledge with local kids and to passing on some of my passion for this sport,” Etherington stated in the release.
Racers are encouraged to make sure their cars will qualify by checking out the rules and regulations at bbbscw-soapbox.com.The cost to register is $15, and all proceeds will support BBBSCW programming.
For more information or to learn about volunteer or placement opportunities, contact Mulligan at brad.mulligan@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
