ADAM JACKSON/Ponoka News
The 7th annual Ponoka Downhill Derby is quickly approaching.
On June 11, competitors will be racing down a hill in Ponoka, competing against 6 to 16-year-olds who enter the competition.
The derby committee also received a financial boost from Servus Credit Union on Thursday, receiving a $700 donation plus a float donation for the parade.
“It’s awesome, the kids have fun but the adults have fun as well,” said Dennis Jones, the branch manager at Servus Credit Union in Ponoka.
The soapbox derby started in 2005, as a part of the community lifestyles committee, which is a sub-committee of the economic development.
Since the beginning of the soapbox derby, the committee-of-eight has received hundreds of volunteer hours from both the Kinsmen Club and the Lion Club.
On May 7, there will be a car building clinic at Alberta Flares at 9:00 a.m.
Unfortunately, since the clinic is in an industrial environment, this clinic will be available for adults only. There will also be kits available for purchase from the committee.
The race date has changed to the spring instead of the fall, which has caused some last minute scurrying for the organizing committee.
“It’s been tough, we’ve had much less time to organize,” said Karen Williams, the secretary treasurer of the community lifestyles committee.
With the donations and volunteer hours, the committee continually expands what is available in the derby. This year, the committee has built new car carriers and a timing system for the race. Just two years ago, the committee was able to build new hydraulic ramps, used to propel the racers down the hill.
If you would like to RSVP to the car building clinic or have further questions, you are encouraged to call Karen Williams at 403-783-6122.