By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
A theme that weaves through the Northern Maine Soap Box Derby is that of bringing families together, even if it’s just for awhile.
The Northern Maine Soap Box Derby, according to this year’s director Chris Holmes, is like a community within itself.
“To be able to go to a sporting event that allows all members of the family unit to participate is rare, usually the kids are the ones who play and the parents transport and shout from the sidelines,” he said. “With Soap Box Derby, we get to transport, help build and really participate in all aspects of racing from setup to tear down. It’s not just the parents either, kids really do know all that it takes to make it happen.”
The Northern Maine Soap Box Derby (NMSBD) will be the only derby held in Maine, with the local race on Saturday, June 18, with 40 participants signed up by the May 14 deadline.
“The heat sheets and T-shirts are in the works,” Holmes said. “We would love to be able to add more, but at this juncture it’s too late.”
What happened in Bangor last year is what Holmes and others are hoping doesn’t happen to the Houlton race. The Eastern Maine Soap Box Derby Committee could no longer support the race financially.
“Donations are down this year,” Holmes said. “But, racers are selling raffle tickets on the deluxe Kindle with WiFi to help defer costs.”
The tickets are $5 and the drawing will be July 4.
“This will also benefit the first-place winners with travel expenses to represent Maine in Akron in July,” said Holmes. “The racers seem really excited about this.”
However, without the help of community sponsorship, the Northern Maine Soap Box Derby race would not happen. The committee and the racers have always be appreciative of all the southern Aroostook community has helped with.
“Anyone can make a financial contribution of any type — all are accepted,” Holmes said. “We do have some people who donate savings bonds each year that winners receive. We really appreciate all the support that is given.”
But, at this point, finances are tight. On top of individual givings, businesses also can donate or sponsor a car in the race.
“The greatest sight at a race is to see the face of a child for the first time when they clear the finish line and stop,” Holmes said. “Some wait in their car to get the results of the heat, as others seem to be ejected right out of their car to run over and shake the opponent’s hand.”
But, the one most important aspect that all volunteers and committee members work is to see the genuine smile on a child’s face.
“The smiles are incredible, especially when they win,” Holmes added. “Or, when they hear their name called for the first time to receive the first trophy ever for that racer.”
Holmes acknowledged that even grandparents get excited as they “jump up and down and shout hoorahs for the racers,” he said. “There is nothing quite like it.”
Though there is always financial pressure to ensure a race, Holmes and the other committee members aren’t focused, only, solely on that. They want to make sure this is an event that survives.
“Mostly, what is seen on the track is a connection between families that have nothing else in common, but racing,” said Holmes. “These are connections that last lifetimes and the stories live on. This is also a sport that the community has gotten behind with its resources to build the only race hill in the state of Maine.
“We truly live in a community that will do most anything to see that the children have the ability to do most anything,” he added.
The race is open to youth ages 8 to 17.
“We are looking forward to future races,” said Holmes, “and to racers being part of a program that promotes teamwork, as well as individual accomplishments.”