Kids Big and Small Take to the Street August 19, 2023
NANAIMO – The second annual Hub City Soapbox Derby is returning to the Old City Quarter in Nanaimo on August 19, 2023.
More than four dozen carts helmed by racers of all ages will be racing down Fitzwilliam Street, an event that’s expected to draw a few thousand spectators and supporters to the downtown core. All proceeds from the derby are going to the Nanaimo Child Development Centre.
“The energy and enthusiasm surrounding the event is contagious and the response has been phenomenal this year. I can’t wait to witness the joy on the kids’ faces as they race and participate in the various activities. It’s gearing up to be a key summer event for Nanaimo,” says Alair™ Soapbox Derby Coordinator Kathryn Scott.
The event will begin with a Kids Cart Parade at 9 am, with racers under the age of 12 showcasing their artfully blinged-out carts. “Big kids” will start their engines at 10:30 am. Those under 12 hit the track at 12:45 pm. The rest of the day will be filled with music, food and entertainment for all ages.
Last year’s derby drew approximately1500 residents and visitors to the neighbourhood, raising more than $16,000 for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre.
“Fundraising initiatives like this are huge,” says CDC Resource Development Coordinator Michelle Kocourek. “It can mean the difference between having certain programs and groups or not at all. We want to increase our playgroup to three days a week – that will take fundraised monies to do that. Bring back our Parent Peer to Peer groups and our knowledge sessions which are also funded by fundraised monies.”
Organized by Alair and VMAC, the Hub City Soapbox Derby was the brainchild of Alair Chief Operating Officer Stu Hopewell, a racing enthusiast.
“I’ve always loved watching and participating in car races, even as a young kid. I hoped that launching a Soapbox Derby here in Nanaimo would be a great way to share this passion and bring the community together, all for an organization I’ve always supported,” says Hopewell.
Hub City Soapbox Derby Schedule of Events
9 am Kids Cart Parade
10:45 am Big Kids Races
11:30 am Wellington Jazz Academy Performance
Vide Studio Performance
12:45 pm Kids race
2:15 pm Race between first place winners of the big and small heats
3 pm Awards Ceremony
The race will take place from Fitzwilliam Street to Wesley Street. The street will be closed to other vehicular traffic from 6 am to 5 pm Saturday, with restricted parking as of the evening of Friday, August 18.
For more information about the Hub CIty SoapDerby, visit www.soapboxnanaimo.com.