The Kinsmen Club of Ponoka’s Downhill Derby event could be making a comeback this fall, but they are in need of more volunteers to make it happen.
The derby is planned for Sept. 9, however, eight to 12 volunteers are still needed for all necessary positions to be filled.
“We have had a handful of people reach out to volunteer so far,” said club president Alan Kolibaba,
According to Kolibaba, while the Kinsmen’s membership is currently down, holding the downhill derby has always been a community effort, requiring volunteers from several clubs, groups and individuals to pull it off.
“Since 2019, the club has been reduced significantly due to COVID and the nature of people moving out of our small town,” said Kolibaba.
“Even when the club was at its largest we leaned on the Kinettes and other groups to run the event.”
In past years, for example, the Broncs football team moved hay bales and a local business person helped set up the ramps.
This year will be the club’s third year holding the event since taking over organizing it in 2018, with a hiatus during the pandemic, however, the Kinsmen have volunteered their members about 15 times in total.
Volunteers are needed for things like loading carts onto the starting ramps and return wagon, staging derby cars, judging at the finish line and hauling straw bales.
The derby will take place on 42 Avenue between 43 Street and 45A Street.
Those looking to participate can find more information on the Ponoka Downhill Derby Facebook page.
The deadline to register is Sept. 1, with early bird registration starting Aug. 18.
The Kinsmen make donations to groups for some services required to hold the derby.
Those looking to volunteer can message the Kinsmen Club of Ponoka Facebook page or email info@ponokakinsmen.ca.
In 2020, Kin Canada asked all clubs to discontinue all in-person, community events, so events like the downhill derby and Kintober Fest were halted.
“We are indeed hoping to bring back other events including Kintober Fest and have some smaller membership drive events in the works to try to make the larger events happen,” said Kolibaba. “We are hoping to use (the downhill derby) and other (events) to bolster our numbers.”
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