The wheels on many a soapbox car will have to come to a grinding halt, as the Kiwanis Club of Comox has cancelled this year’s Soapbox Derby.
The derby, which has been running for 28 years, had to be cancelled due to construction and road repair work on Noel Avenue, explained Ron Michaux, director of the Soap Box Derby and club treasurer.
“There will be a lot of disappointed kids, but there’s not much we can do,” he noted.
Because of pavement that needs to be dug and resurfaced as well as sidewalks and curbs that need to be repaved, Michaux said it is too dangerous for the kids.
“We don’t want them to hit a rut or ragged edge; they are at the edge of being in control at the best of times, because they hit speeds around 40 km/h.”
He added they have searched the Valley for an alternate location, but said they have not been able to find a hill that is suitable.
“We have the school and our finish line is set up there, and it’s a short route to take the cars back up.”
Michaux said rescheduling isn’t much of an option either, as the race is “supposed to be part of the Nautical Days activities, and it loses some of its appeal once school starts.”
Although the race this year has the brakes put on, Michaux is optimistic it will happen again next year.
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