Soap Box races set for Aug. 15

“It’s contagious,” declares Kevin Clemons. “When that switch goes down and those cars start rolling, the kids are smiling from ear to ear.

 

“And their parents are standing by watching, also with big smiles on their faces.

“It’s good, clean, family fun.”

 

The Waseca Freemasons are holding their eighth annual Soap Box races on Saturday, Aug. 15 on Fourth Street Northeast next to Tink Larson Field. Children are eligible to take part if they are at least 8 years old and are not yet 16. All racers must be registered prior to noon, with matchups taking place from noon to 3 p.m. There is no cost to race; an adult must accompany all drivers and sign permission and disclaimer forms.

 

A rain date is set for Aug. 22 with the same schedule.

 

Food trucks and restrooms will be available inside Tink Larson Field during the event; spectators may wish to bring their own folding chairs. 

 

Freemason members Rick Kritzer and Kevin Clemons are among the dozen or so volunteers who take part in planning, organizing and supervising the races. Both tell how pleased they are to be part of an activity which not only provides some fun and adventure for kids, but also raises money which we pass on to local emergency responders.

 

Fundraising is in the form of sponsorships paid by local businesses; sometimes individuals attending the races also choose to donate. 

 

Of his own enthusiasm for the soap box races, Kritzer admits, “I think we’ve all got a 10-year-old kid inside us somewhere. This gives that kid a chance to come out and have some fun.”

 

The Freemasons have a collection of 11 soap box vehicles for young drivers to choose from. The small-scale cars have no engines, relying on gravity to navigate the straight-line race course that is just under one block long. Kritzer estimates the vehicles reach speeds of three to five miles an hour. 

 

Hay bales are set along both sides of the course for those cars which go off course.

Winners in the various categories are presented with trophies provided by Mark Wolff, who operates Toners Lake Carting of Janesville. The starting line this year is sponsored by iWealth of Waseca. Local businesses are invited to sponsor vehicles.

 

The two organizers also invite volunteers and spectators from the community to come enjoy the fun. Individuals may, if they wish, build and donate the undersized, motorless wood cars. Information about the event or about the size and specifications for constructing vehicles, is available from Mike at 952-807-8736 or by emailing wasecasoapboxrace@gmail.com.