Inaugural soapbox derby a success

The Kinsmen’s Little Lightning in the Valley soapbox derby went off without a hitch, according to Kinsmen’s Mike Hadley.

Cole Perey rides Red Fury to victory during an early round of the Little Lightning in the Valley soapbox derby, Saturday afternoon on Argyle Street.

Cole Perey rides Red Fury to victory during an early round of the Little Lightning in the Valley soapbox derby, Saturday afternoon on Argyle Street.

The Kinsmen’s Little Lightning in the Valley soapbox derby went off without a hitch, according to Kinsmen’s Mike Hadley.

“The soapbox derby went extraordinarily well. We had 35 competitors show up and they were able to have three races a piece.”

About 700 people came out to watch the racers speed down Argyle Street.

“There were some pretty fast times with some racers almost making the 2-1/2 block run in less than 30 seconds,” said Hadley. I’m blown away by how excited the crowd was. It really made it a huge deal for the kids.”

Eight kids took home awards with Piper James taking home the Hard Luck award, Cole Robinson with Best Costume, Carsin Guzman with the Straight Shooter award, Riley Swanson with the People’s Choice award, Alaric Jansma with the Fastest Time award, Jamey Clark with the Heavy Metal Thunder award, Richard Spence with the Super Custom award and Rylan Blais with the Future Engineer award.

Hadley is optimistic about making the derby an annual event.

“I think with the organization and execution of such an event we may be looking at doing this kind of thing every year. The crowd certainly agreed when we asked them.”

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Alberni Valley News