If you’re looking for something to do on Father’s Day, the committee in charge of all of the city’s sesquicentennial celebrations just gave you a new option from days gone by.
On Sunday June 19, St. Vital Avenue is the place to be for St. Albert’s first Soapbox Derby. For those who are unfamiliar with the race, it’s a motorless go-kart, relying wholly on good design and the power of gravity to reach the finish line first.
Rendezvous 2011 derby chair Abi Iskander oversaw a few test runs, the latest one taking place last weekend.
“The one on Sunday went pretty well,” she said, giving the green light for the race. While there have been similar amateur events in the city’s history, the time had come for an official race.
“We’ve never had one. We just thought, ‘Might as well do it.’ It’s never been done before.
The committee has been putting together a host of special events and festivities, including the Family Day Snow Festival and the upcoming Battle of the Bands for high school students.
Getting the youth of the community involved is key to gauging the overall success of the entire celebration. Even before this announcement and with registration opening up today, word has gotten out and there has already been a lot of interest.
“I’ve gotten emails already. The spots are filling up fast.”
Children must be between the ages of six and 12 to participate. The entry fee is $110 that includes your very own soapbox kit that provides all of the necessary hardware although you must purchase your own plywood, steering wheel and brakes. Naturally, drivers must wear a proper helmet and each vehicle must pass a safety inspection.
“This is a fun event but our first priority is making sure the kids are safe,” Iskander stated.
Only 96 registrants are allowed and the races start at 1 p.m. on June 19 with heats broken down into age categories. Each rider will get at least two runs down the hill. There will also be prizes for best decoration and best cheer section.
For more information about the derby or other Rendezvous 2011 activities, please visit www.rendezvous2011.ca.
