Get ready to roll in Consecon Soap Box Derby

Whether you make a soap box, or borrow one supplied, the Ameliasburgh Ward 4 Recreation Committee and the Consecon and Area Ratepayers Association welcome racers and fans to the Fifth Annual Soap Box Derby.

“This annual event has grown significantly since our first derby in 2011 when we entertained some 20 participants, increasing to last year’s 45 entrants,” said Bill McMahon, one of the organizers. “We attract kids from all over the County, Trenton, Belleville, Brighton, Kingston, Ottawa, and Toronto, as well as kids from Calgary and Edmonton who summer in the County.”

This mid-day feature event of the “Consecon Community Day” festivities, rolls out Saturday Aug. 1 on the Mill Street hill in Consecon at 1pm. Free registration at the intersection of Consecon Main and County Road 29 begins at noon.

The Soap Box Derby is open to both girls and boys ages five through 12 years. There are no registration fees required to take part. Competitors are grouped into three age categories, 5 and 6 year olds, 7 years through 9 years, 10 years through 12 years.

Competitors will have two individual runs down the hill for best times, (not racing against each other head to head). Fastest overall time in each category will determine the age group winner. Helmets are mandatory for all competitors and all soap box cars must have a proper braking mechanism installed, otherwise the cars will be considered ineligible to compete in the event.

All safety precautions will be in place and St. John Ambulance will be in attendance during the event.

Following the children’s event there will be a senior’s run for anyone 13 years or older who’d love to have an opportunity to see how they stack up against the kids. The same safety precautions apply. Check website http://www.consecon.ca for details.