Half a dozen soap box carts using various ingenious braking and steering systems showed up to race during the first annual Squamish Soap Box Derby held Saturday (Sept. 3). Designs included the Terracraft bobcat that braked by lowering it's rubber-lined bucket onto the pavement, the patriotic Canadian Lightning that lived up to its name by winning one race after another, and the colourful Cloudburst Construction that fit bicycle steering and braking systems onto its wooden frame.
Grown-ups waxed nostalgic while kids of all ages, many of them dressed in colourful fatigues, showed off their own creations or rented donated carts. All proceeds of the event went to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Organizer Glenn Worrod said he was happy with the turnout, which wasn't dampened by the afternoon drizzle.
"Just putting the event on was a big goal," he said. "Watching the carts run down the hill was really fun."
Worrod said his favourite part of the day was awarding prizes, which consisted of toys and sports equipment. The winners were Kyle Hiebert, Calvin Elliot, Cameron Dare who took the top spots for fastest time in the age 5 to 10 category. And Tom Borley, Chad Pereira and Keith Prefontaine got the fastest times in the age 11 to 14 category. The most creative cart award went to Cedric St. Denis for his Flaming Tiger and the most spectacular volunteer award went to Ollie Hansen "for relentlessly pulling and pushing those kids up and down that hill." But Hansen wasn't the only one helping out.
"I can't say enough about the volunteers and sponsors. Simply amazing," said Worrod. "This event would not have been a success without their help and support."
Worrod said he felt fulfilled in bringing attention to an illness that has impacted close friends and family.
"I know in speaking with many who attended the event that we also raised awareness for those in our community affected by diabetes," he said.
Organizers are already looking forward to planning next year's event after ironing out a few of this year's kinks. Next year's derby is scheduled for the end of June, and according to co-organizer Denise Hiebert, word is out that residents are already designing their carts.
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