Soapbox derby set for July 8 in Pictou
Rolling down Battery Hill in a soapbox derby has been a longstanding tradition of the Pictou Lobster Carnival that will continue this year.
The Pictou and Area Lions Club took over the event a few years ago for the carnival committee and is working to make it better than ever.
Peter Boyles of the Lions Club will be hosting the annual event again the morning of July 8. Cars will be inspected by Lions Club members to make sure they meet all regulations before racing.
Boyles said Lions Club members can provide the regulations for construction of the cars, but the most important thing is to make sure the wheels steer and they must be powered only by gravity.
The event will be time trials this year instead of side-by-side racing, but organizers are hoping to expand this next year by having car kits available for participants to purchase if desired.
Boyles said the club would also like to see some local businesses, such as car dealerships and auto parts stores, come on board to help with sponsorship and promote the annual derby.
Following the derby, a barbecue will take place for the participants and all drivers get to ride on a float in the parade with their cars. Trophies will be given out for best engineering, most original paint design, best novelty soapbox car, overall best soapbox car and safest.
Anyone wanting more information about the derby or the car regulations is asked to contact Boyles at 902-755-3938.