The Brantford District Labour Council (BDLC) is ramping up for its 68th annual Soap Box Derby on Monday, September 2, 2024.
The Labour Council has been hosting the event since 1957 and is anticipating another year of family fun.
“The event has been going strong for decades now, it’s been a real staple in the community and we’re looking forward to another great event on Labour Day,” said Cory Judson, President of the BDLC. “It’s a free event so there’s no charge, and all we ask is that the participants bring their soapbox car and helmet.”
On the day, parents and guardians can register their 12-and-under youngsters starting at 8:00 a.m. before unloading their soapbox cars in preparation for the big race at 9:00 a.m.
As part of the annual event, children will receive a Brantford District Labour Council Soapbox Derby t-shirt, a participation award, a loonie for each time they race, and a goody bag of swag from the various union locals and organizations on site.
When the race kicks off, two participants at a time will take off down a ramp from the top of the Icomm Drive hill and race down to the finish line at the Hill Street cross section.
Like always, local car clubs will also be lining the route with several vintage classic cars for guests to look at and admire.
“We’re really happy to have our sponsors and supporters, the Piston Pushers, Speed Syndicate, and the Ontario Gassers joining us again this year,” said Judson. “Having them really adds to that great overall atmosphere.”
As the races are taking place, volunteers will be handing out free hotdogs and refreshments to everybody that comes out, and as the event finishes up, the BDLC will hand out awards for the winners. The car clubs will also be handing out awards for soapbox appearance and originality.
While the two-week weather forecast is currently calling for ideal weather conditions, Judson said that if the weather doesn’t cooperate and it rains, they will have to pull the event altogether due to liability reasons.
“Unfortunately, if the weather doesn’t cooperate we don’t have a rain date set up as this is our way, as a labour organization, to give back on the day that exists to celebrate our workers,” he said. “We’re hoping it will all work out and we’ll be having our fingers crossed for clear skies.”
Overall, the BDLC President said that he’s looking forward to seeing how many people will partake in this year’s end of summer event.
“Since the pandemic, we’ve kind of seen a bit of a rejuvenation in the event and we’ve had quite a large turnout of racers and spectators in the last couple of years,” said Judson. “That’s something we’re really happy about and we’re looking forward to those kinds of numbers again because it’s really all about the kids and the enjoyment they get out of the event, as well as the community coming together to celebrate our workers.”
For those thinking of attending the Soapbox Derby, the BDLC is asking residents to consider bringing non-perishable food items to support the Paris Food Bank. A representative from the local food bank will be on hand at the derby to help collect donations.
