INNISFAIL – The town’s first soap box derby is in the books.
The Innisfail Lions Club hosted the event on Saturday, July 27.
The inaugural soap box derby took place on 50th Street, just up the road from Centennial Park, and attracted dozens of participants, families and spectators.
One of those participants was nine-year-old Kayden Strabel, who created a NASA rocket ship as his home-built car for the derby.
“I want to be an astronaut one day,” said Strabel. “It was fun building it.”
Strabel’s younger brother Carson also participated in the event with his Batmobile car, said his mom, Kelsey.
“It’s great. We’re having lots of fun,” she said. “I know the boys have really enjoyed themselves and we’ll probably do it again next year.”
Innisfail mayor Jim Romane, who challenged a few participants to a race at the end of the day, said it was a great day for the event.
“It’s great. All of the service clubs came together and it’s good to see them all out supporting (the derby),” said Romane. “This is our first year; we’ll build on it (for next year).
“The kids have done a great job decorating their cars,” he added.
Lions Club president Eileen Reid noted the good number of spectators and participants for Innisfail’s inaugural soap boxy derby.
“I would say it’s been a big success for us. We’re very pleased with the community’s turnout and the participation,” said Reid.
“We have very good crowds. We have the Innisfail Kinsmen and the Rotary Club helping out,” she added. “Things are going really good and we really appreciate all the help from the parents because it’s our first year doing this.”
Reid said there were 16 sponsored cars and several home-built cars that competed in the event.
A total of 30 children in different age categories registered for the soap boxy derby.
Many of the car entries were well decorated, painted and creative, said Reid, adding there were ribbons awarded for first-, second- and third-place finishes as well as prizes for home-built cars in several categories including most original design, most colourful and people’s choice.
“I think the adults are having as much fun as the kids,” said Reid.
“Everybody‘s having such a great time. We’ll definitely do it again next year.”
