Okotokians will be able to watch a Soap Box Derby this weekend.
For the 35th year, the Rotary Club of Okotoks is putting on their Annual Rotary Club of Okotoks Soap Box Derby this Saturday, June 7.
According to the Rotary Club of Okotoks President, Jeff Foss, there will be over 100 kids between the ages of 8 and 14 competing to see who has the fastest cart.
"Each kid will have an opportunity to race in each of the four lanes," Foss explains. "And then the final heat will determine the winners of each heat."
With the final heat, they will declare the winner of this year's soapbox derby.
Foss says the winners of each heat will get a trophy, and in the final race, the fastest car wins the big trophy for the year.
"So, they're coming down four at a time, and so, the fifth and final heat, they're ranked based on their times in the first four runs," Foss says. "They're kind of reordered by time with the slower carts starting off the final heat and the fastest four carts at the very end."
Okotoks Municipal Enforcement will be on site with their radar guns, clocking the speeds the kids race down the hill.
Last year, Foss believes the fastest cart went down the hill at just under 50 kilometres per hour.
"They're kids that are between the ages of eight and 14, so it's generally our 14-year-olds that are the fastest carts."
The derby will take place on Crystal Ridge Drive, between Downey Road and North Railway Street, with the practice runs beginning at 9 a.m.
Foss says the Rotary Club wouldn't be able to put on the Derby without the support of the business community, with Carstar Okotoks and Fountain Tire Okotoks being their lead sponsors for numerous years.
"We wouldn't be able to do this if it wasn't for [the sponsors]. They do such a tremendous amount, both in terms of in-kind, as well as financial contributions to keep this a very budget-friendly, fun family event."
On top of having trophies for the fastest carts in each heat, there are prizes for the Best Costume, the Best Decorated Cart, Most Enthusiastic Driver, and Best Crash Recovery.
"I remember, I think it was a couple of years ago now, one cart spun right around. So, now it was going down the hill backwards, and the driver didn't miss a beat. He just did what you and I would do when we're backing our car. One hand on the steering wheel and the other, kind of, bracing themselves as they were looking behind them. And they crossed the finish line backwards."
According to Foss, the sidewalks are lined with lawn chairs with parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles, and everybody there to cheer on their driver.
They will also have a concession that will serve hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, and snacks, as well as porta potties available at the bottom of the hill.
As part of the Derby, the kids who are participating will receive a goodie bag, which contains a meal ticket and a ballot, because the Best Costume, the Best Decorated Cart, Most Enthusiastic Driver, and Best Crash Recovery are voted on by the kids.
Foss added that one of the racers competing this year has a special connection to the Derby.
"We have a young racer this year and he is the great-grandson of one of the original Rotarians who started the race 35 years ago, and so, he's carrying on in his great-grandfather's tradition."
The Derby is expected to last until mid to late afternoon on Saturday.
During the Derby, Crystal Ridge Drive from Downey Road to North Railway Street will be closed.
But if the weather doesn't cooperate, the Derby will happen on Sunday instead.
This Derby will see contestants from across the province, with the furthest entry being from Drayton Valley, and if anyone wants to enter into next year's Derby, keep an eye on the Rotary Club of Okotoks website and Facebook page.