The annual soap box derby has been a Powell River tradition since 1947, and this year the popular family event celebrates its 70th anniversary.
“It’s probably the longest-running soap box derby in Canada,” said event coordinator Don Allen. “Originally, the derby ran down Westview Avenue, back when it was a dirt road. Those must have been some rugged carts.”
Now taking place in Wildwood on Lois Street alongside Sunset Park, races are split into age groups and trophies are given out for each group. Soap box vehicles are placed on a six-foot ramp and are launched into a straight, paved downhill course.
“When you’re only four inches off the ground, you feel like you’re going really fast,” said Allen.
Allen became involved with the Soap Box Derby through the Kiwanis Club of Powell River while he was working at the club’s Garden Manor. This year is Allen’s third year in an organizing role.
Many different groups are involved to run the family event and it is very popular, said Allen.
“The kids really like it, and some of the parents are really into showing off their handiwork,” he said.
Allen said that there are a few extra vehicles available at the race for those who do not construct their own.
“Not everyone brings their own vehicle, but they can still race,” he said.
Last year, 45 racers competed in a wide range of vehicles types, said Allen.
“Some of them are really snazzy, with lights, roll bars, smoke and sound effects,” he said. “Others are plain and simple.”
Army cadet Lizzy Gillen, 17, attended the derby last year as a volunteer. In addition to helping with setup and takedown for the event, the cadets also had a few members who participated in the races.
“I didn’t race, but I thought it was great,” said Gillen.
Townsite resident Angie Davey attended the event last year and said it was busy, with an excited and enthusiastic crowd. She said she plans on attending again this year.
“It’s a great, old-fashioned community event with a long history,” said Davey.
Davey said she spent much of her time at the finish line of last year’s event and was pleased to see so many female racers.
“I spoke to several participants and they were very eager to explain their cart design features and their strategies,” she said. “It was a very fun event overall. That hill in Wildwood is just made for this race.”
The event brings in many local racers and spectators, along with tourists from Vancouver Island and elsewhere, according to Allen.
Everybody over the age of seven is welcome to race, though the event does require preregistration. Registration forms, including specific guidelines for all vehicle entries, are available at the Town Centre Mall office and at Quality Foods.
The soap box derby takes place Sunday, May 28, at Sunset Park.
