BY SONJA DRINKWATER
Special to the News
There were 30 plus entries in the fourth annual Kinsmen Soap Box Derby on Argyle Street, Saturday, July 20.
Dubbed ‘Little Lightning in the Valley’, the event drew competitors and spectators alike to lower Argyle, where the street was closed off to all but soapbox racer traffic for a few hours on Saturday.
Racers’ cars were powered by nothing but gravity. There were a few crashes but nothing too serious.
Lucas Huysmans won a trophy for best time to beat: 30 seconds flat. This is the second year in a row he had the same fast time, according to his mother, Krista Huysmans.
“He felt pretty nervous on his fastest run; it was a bit scary,” she said.
Blast from the Past trophy went to Anders Bell, 9, who went as Capt. Jack Sparrow in his racer called the Black Pearl. Bell has been a participant in all four years of the races history.
Future Engineer went to Victor Ferguson and Aston Bouter. People’s Choice went to “Pizzachu” Jacob Tinkess, 10 and also to Julia Paul, 11, for assisting her sister Nadine, 7: when Nadine’s soapbox slowed to a stop Julia pushed and ran behind.
Straight Shooter honours went to Jacob Amero, 8, and to Conner Russell, 11. Best dressed went to Joelle Servatius, 7, and Owen. Hard Luck awards went to Devon Johnson and Leyland Jordan. Top crash went to Paige Barker.
Of special note is next year there will be an adult category, so ladies and gentlemen start your carts.