There were a lot of happy faces at the annual Mission Soapbox Derby last Saturday (July 6).
"The kids had a great time. I think for some of them, it was new to them. They were nervous. There were a lot more crashes this year than there have been in prior years," the Mission Soapbox Derby's Sarah Becker said.
No one was hurt in the crashes and Becker says the participants went back up the hill and tried again.
"There were no boo-boos, no tears," Becker said.
Becker says the event had a great turnout with both participants and spectators. They braved the scorching heat to take in the longstanding local event.
"Despite the heat, everybody was having a good time. Things were smooth sailing," Sarah Becker said.
Roughly 20 volunteers helped make the event possible.
"It was a good team effort. It wouldn't have happened if we didn't have the volunteers we have," she said.
In the ages 7 to 9 category, Treyton Cross finished in first place and claimed a $500 bursary. Finnlay Janus came in second and Kyra Reece third.
For ages 10 through 12, Ariella Orlova was quickest past the finish line and went home with the $500 bursary. Ben Dove was second and Sierra Anema was third.
In the oldest age group (13-15), Nora Calder seized the top prize while Kayden Mundy Joseph finished second and Rhys Koch third. Griffin Heather was the winner of a bicycle.
Becker says the event will be back next year with hopes of expanding to twice a year in the future.
