HOULTON, Maine — In an effort to get more youngsters from around Aroostook County to participate, the Northern Maine Soap Box Derby (NMSBD) Committee is launching an effort to expand the only Soap Box Derby race in Maine.
The 2016 Northern Maine Soap Box Derby is fast approaching. The registration deadline is May 1, 2016 and the race date is June 18, 2016. Registrations are now being accepted and organizers are also reaching out to any former derby racers who may have cars, or parts, they are no longer using.
“Buying new cars can be a financial challenge for many potential participants, and oftentimes used derby cars and parts will sit in storage after a family or group has finished racing,” said Haley Nickerson, event organizer. “There is usually a gap between the number of kids interested in racing and the number of cars available. While the committee always works to match kids up with cars that aren’t being used anymore, there are fewer available than there used to be.”
In order to help more families experience the “thrill of the hill,” the committee is accepting donations of used Soap Box Derby cars and parts (such as weights and wheels). Any individual who may have a Soap Box Derby car or parts that you’re willing to part with in order to help other families make lasting memories, can donate them to the committee or lend them to a specific racer for the season.
Those who are interested in donating or sharing a Soap Box Derby car, or anyone who is interested in registering for the race, should contact the John A. Millar Civic Center at (207) 532-1313 or civic.center@houlton-maine.com.
