CENTRE WELLINGTON – Homemade cars will once again race through Elora’s downtown on July 1.
The annual Soap Box Derby, hosted by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington (BBBSCW), will return to Geddes Street.
People are building new racers or dusting off past seasons’, getting their weights in place, and registering for the race.
The event is open to children aged six to 16 and registration is open until June 16.
Soap box building is an opportunity for youth and adults to work together and create memorable bonding moments.
“The Soap Box Derby is a well-loved Canada Day event,” said Kate Guy, Chair of BBBSCW.
“My kids were involved in the derby for years, and now help run the event.”
There will be prizes for the fastest cars in four different divisions and a prize for the most creative car. All racers will receive a souvenir T-shirt.
The cost to register is $20, with proceeds going towards BBBSCW programming.
Soap Box Derby champion Chris Etherington will help with safety checks again this year.
He will also share his expertise at a pre-competition workshop on June 7th at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus from 4 to 6pm.
Kids are encouraged to bring questions and cars along to the workshop.
Etherington has been building soap box derby cars since he was four years old.
In 1985, at the age of 12, he was the Canadian Junior Champion and International Champion at the All American Soap Box Derby.
“I learned so much about construction, aerodynamics and physics building these cars,” Etherington said.
“My dad was determined to make them slicker each year. It was a great bonding experience with my dad, and I had fun competing on the international circuit.”
Etherington said he is looking forward to sharing his knowledge with local kids “and to pass on some of my passion for this sport.”
The Soap Box Derby kicks off a day full of Canada Day festivities in Centre Wellington, and organizers are anticipating a great turnout.
To ensure your car will qualify, refer to the rules and regulations on the BBBSCW website.
