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Soapbox derby races in

For the last 19 years, children in the Battlefords have had something special to look forward to with the coming of spring.
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Dakota Haluk, Alishia Pambrun and Michelle Manibal (left to right) test out a soapbox cart in anticipation of the 20th annual Battlefords Boys and Girls Club Soapbox Derby, which will be held May 28 in the Co-op Mall parking lot.

For the last 19 years, children in the Battlefords have had something special to look forward to with the coming of spring.

This year, the kids can expect something even bigger and better, as the 20th annual Battlefords Boys and Girls Club rolls out in style Saturday, May 28.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," said Executive Director Sheri Woolridge. "Twenty years doing the same thing is pretty big and we want to celebrate."

The event will be held at the Co-op Mall parking lot, unless the weather doesn't co-operate, in which case the derby will be held at the Civic Centre.

This year, the BBGC is actively encouraging adults to join in on the fun, and even have adult-oriented prizes for the adult races.

"People deserve to be a part of it if they want to," said Woolridge, explaining that although adults were involved in the races years ago, they dwindled off over the years.

As the soapbox carts are provided, the woodworking class at North Battleford Comprehensive High School is currently working on the adult carts.

Each team requires three members; two pushers and one driver.

A number of prizes will be awarded in different categories, including fastest team, best dressed team and top female and male fundraisers.

The races start at 10 a.m. and "they go until everyone who wants to race has had a turn," said Woolridge.

Although registration, which begins at 9 a.m., is free, BBGC is requesting that each team collect a minimum of $10 in pledges.

"The kids have all been going door to door collecting pledges," said Woolridge.

She said the soapbox derby is one of BBGC's biggest fundraisers and they rely on the proceeds to provide quality programming to children in the community.

For more information, to request a pledge sheet or to volunteer, contact the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club at 445-0002.