The Soap Box Derby returns to Mansfield in June and the Richland Carrousel Park is holding an essay contest to find this year’s driver of their soap box entry. Seven to13-year-old students weighing less than 110 pounds and eligible. They must be flexible and able to fit into the Carrousel Soap Box Derby Car. It was built in 1993 according to local historian Russ Kinsey.
The car was orignially driven by Devon Sayers and put in storage. Willie Hunn, Director and Sharon Bishop, Co-Director, found the car. With financial donations and the help of Brian Smith, co-director of the North Central Ohio Soap Box Derby, the car was refurbished and brought up to specifications so it could race again.
Last year, Noah Krupp had the exciting experience of driving the car and won a couple of races. The Carrousel’s car is painted white with the red Carrousel Horse Logo on it.
Any youth intersted in competing is asked to complete and submit a 100-200-word essay about why you would like to be selected to drive the Carrousel car in the Soap Box Derby Race. The event will be held Saturday June 28 from 9 a.m. – 4 .m. in Mansfield.
Essays can only be accepted from the following counties: Richland, Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion and Morrow.
The goals of the soap box derby program are to promote families working together, to teach young people some of the basic skills of workmanship along with the spirit of competition and the perseverance to continue a project to completion. One of the goals of Richland Carrousel Park is to reach out into the community to provide various opportunities to local children. This is one of them.
Please submit your essay to Richland Carrousel Park, 75 N. Main St., Mansfield, OH 44902, before May 15. Late essays will not be accepted.
