Sunshine and thrills on the Mill Street soapbox hill

– Sue Capon photos

Blazing sunshine and shade-dappled areas welcomed fans and soapbox racers gathered Saturday morning to take on the challenge of Bloomfield’s Mill Street hill.

Organizers report about 60 racers signed up to compete in seven age categories.

A full morning of sessions saw several racers wobble off course, and several got a boost and re-direct from audience members. One racer was attended to by fire and rescue volunteers on scene after he lost control and flipped his soapbox near the park. He was not injured and was cheered upon rising and returning to the spectator area.

The pit and finish line crews gave frequent instruction on how to use the brakes.

Words of encouragement for the courageous were also frequent.

Some repairs and inspections were required along the way.

Efforts were rewarded with medallions, ice cream and pizza for all participants.

While the crowd began to gather for the trophy presentations, a parent congratulated the Bloomfield Hallowell Recreation Committee for hosting “such a cool, cool event for the kids.”

“It is. It’s awesome,” agreed Barry Turpin, the day’s statistician, while keeping many curious small hands away from the sparkling rows of trophies and medallions until presentation time. ”

In the age five group, Kathryn Cooke took first place, followed by Torsten Putman and Beck Duggleby.

Aaron Needleman led the age six group with Holden Ariss and Trenton Ariss in second and third place.

Bentley Jaeger, Sawyer Koopmans and Declan Browntree were the top three in the age seven category.

Eli Cronk, Sullivan Stone and Dalton Benjamin were the fastest down the hill in the age eight group.

Davina Benjamin led the age nine competitors, followed by Lane Butten and Mark Valihora.

In the age 10 group, Carter May led the victories with Bentley Hicks and Jaxon Benjamin.

Wrapping up for the checkers in the ages 11-12 category were Addy Kerr, Dylan Price and Harry Turner.