Arkalalah 92 to start with new event

Plans are underway for the 92nd Annual Arkalalah Festival to be held October 23rd – 26th. This year’s festival will begin with a new event, a soap box derby race. 

“Each year the Arkalalah Executive Committee looks for ways to expand and improve the festival,” explained Clayton Pappan, Chairman of the Arkalalah Executive Committee. “A soap box derby style race is something we have been considering for a while now.”

The soap box derby race will take place on Wednesday, October 23rd at 6:00 p.m., right before the night parade. According to the Arkalalah website, the event will be a timed race with participants navigating down a roughly one-block serpentine track. 

“In true soap box derby fashion, the cars aren’t allowed to have any form of power such as motors or pedals. Each driver can be given a push-start by up to three members of their pit crew, but it’s gravity powered after that,” said Pappan

Participants provide their own cars for the race. However, there is no limitation on size, weight, materials or designs as long as driver and spectator safety is maintained.

“We intentionally left the requirements for the cars pretty basic. Have four wheels, be able to steer, be able to brake, be visible and wear a helmet. Other than that, teams can be as creative as they want to be,” said Pappan.

There are three categories for the race: business or organization sponsored teams; youth for drivers aged 14 and under; and an open class for anyone who wants to participate. 

“We want this event to be fun, but we want it to be competitive also. Each class will be competing for trophies based off the fastest times, and overall winners will receive a cash prize,” Pappan said.

For more information about the soap box derby race, including full rules and online event registration forms, visit the forms page on Arkalalah.com.