30 riders challenge Consecon’s Mill Street hill

A few hundred spectators cheered 30 soap box racers who challenged the Consecon Mill Street hill during the first Consecon Soapbox Derby Saturday.
“This was just what the doctor ordered for a successful first-time event,” said Bill McMahon, one of the organizers. The only glitch was waiting for a roads department crew to carry out a requisitioned road closure.
“Ameliasburgh Councillor Nick Nowitski, along with event organizers, were about to use their vehicles to block and divert traffic, when out-of-the blue, an OPP car arrived on the scene,” McMahon said. “When he saw the restless kids and their row of soap box cars ready to roll, as well as the spectators lining Mill Street, he advised organizers to go ahead and form their barricades and get the races started, and assured that he would advise both fire and ambulance.”
By 2:15 p.m. the first of  60 runs of the day got the event under way.
“From that point on the day went off without a hitch,” said McMahon. “There was one minor mishap, resulting more in hurt feelings at not crossing the finish line, than anything physical.”
Each entrant had two attempts at the hill to achieve their fastest time.
“The spectators couldn’t have been more excited or enthusiastic, and continued to encourage the kids for the duration of the event. The fans got so excited at the joy the kids were experiencing it seemed to awaken their inner child, and the organizers were overwhelmed with requests for and adult category at next year’s event.”
He notes the event would not have been possible without the assistance and generosity of the Bloomfield and Hallowell Recreation Committee who gave of their expertise and loaned out their starting ramp, race flags, a megaphone, and most importantly five soap box cars to be used by the kids who didn’t have their own.
“Also, thanks to the numerous volunteers who came through at the last minute to ensure that the day ran smoothly and guarantee a fun-filled, exciting day for the kids, including Ameliasburgh Councillors Janice Maynard and Nick Nowitski.

The frontrunners of the event were:
5 to 8 year category
1st Ryan Busey    24:00; 2nd Sawyer Smith 24:28; 3rd Josh Hopwood    24:60

9 to 12 year category
1st Madison Rowbotham 20:21; 2nd Matthew Butler 23:69; 3rd  Gideon Nienhaus 23:96

Most Original Designed Soap Box – Madison Rowbotham
Best Overall Time –  Madison Rowbotham