23rd annual Soap Box Derby a success
ALVATON, Ky. – Cheers of joy were heard throughout Phil Moore park on Saturday, marking the official 23rd annual Soap Box Derby, a racing event where kids race in vehicles that aren’t powered by any kind of machinery. Instead, they rely on gravity and the track’s incline.
“It was like Christmas. It’s pretty exciting to have this time with the kids and see how happy they are to go down the hill,” said race director Anthony LaPointe.
“It’s nice to see all of your hard work comes to a point and get to see the kids go down the track. We’re super excited about that,” added Soap Box Derby co-chair Jennifer Bailey.
Last year would have been the 23rd annual Soap Box Derby if it hadn’t been cancelled as a result of the pandemic, making 2021 the official 23rd event. As part of the fun, an event called the super kids race took place, where racers with special needs received a partner to help them get down the slope safely. One super kid, Clay Harris, was thrilled to be back.
“Man, I can’t believe it. It’s sooo good. I was like, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, I can’t believe it,” Harris said.
Attendees say the Soap Box Derby is a step in the right direction when it comes to returning to normal, to give this experience to today’s kids, and the kids of the next generation.
“I’s more than racing. You get to meet a lot of new friends. I still talk to some of the kids I raced when I was a kid,” LaPointe said.
“I’m hoping that they take away a sense of community, pride, and knowing that they have gotten on the track and done something that they may not have otherwise done,” Bailey said.
