It was a day that many thought would never come. As soon as it did, most only wanted it to come again and again.
Last year’s premiere Soapbox Derby race was a fine moment of childhood sportsmanship for more than 80 young boys and girls. As much fun as the kids had, the parents who got involved to help them put the race-cars together all had a great time too, despite the inclement weather.
“It was a torrential rainstorm day,” said Cheryl Mackenzie, last year’s event organizer who is back at the helm again this year. “We had anywhere between 250 and 450 people there, watching and cheering everyone on. The weather – it didn’t matter. The kids were having such a great time!”
She added that the rain was so bad that they had to stop the races a few times because people just couldn’t see. Everyone toughed it out, however, because it was such a fine moment of families and community, all enjoying the spirit of togetherness in the great outdoors, no matter how wet it got.
Mackenzie is prepared for all forecasts.
“We’re okay with whatever we get dealt. I think that most importantly, it is a phenomenal way for families – fathers in particular – to interact with their kids and it’s not involving a computer or a TV or a video game. We actually heard that quite regularly from a lot of participants last year. ‘I can’t believe how much fun we had being outside building our cars. It was a great, great way to do it.’ That’s why we’re keeping it on Father’s Day.”
Approximately 40 racers have already registered for this year’s event. This is a greater number than this time last year.
Those are very compelling reasons why the Spirit of St. Albert Society is organizing round two with the help of Rock ’n August, the new event sponsor. Proceeds from registrations this year will be going to the local classic car enthusiasts’ charity of choice, the Alberta Diabetes Foundation.
“We had lots of questions: ‘When are you going to open this up to the adults?’ ” Mackenzie laughed. “Let’s just focus on the kids for now.”
The event takes place on St. Vital Avenue on Father’s Day, June 17 at noon sharp. Registration is $35 and soapbox racer kits are $85 each.
For more information, call 780-887-2609 or visit www.spiritofstalbert.ca.
