Brayden Scarlett believes he knows what he must do before next year’s Soap Box Derby – put on some pounds.
The five-year-old got off to a flier on Saturday, zipping down the ramp and putting on a performance to make his family proud. Among those watching was nine-year-old brother, Chase, waiting for his own turn to race.
Then Brayden’s cart began to slow. And slow … and slow until it came to a halt about 20 feet from the finishing line.
As spectators collectively willed his cart to move, derby vehicle inspector Vern Koesling decided a proactive approach was needed.
He ran out into the track and pushed a beaming Brayden and cart over the line to a big round of applause.
Asked by his parents what had happened, Brayden replied: “I did not have enough weight.”
The sight of Koesling, Brayden and cart was a memorable moment in an action-filled event on the hill of 47th Avenue, near the Co-op.
One of the banks was sprinkled with spectators, who began arriving after registration at 9 a.m. Many came equipped with cameras.
The range of facial expressions displayed by competitors was a photographer’s dream. There were looks of intensity, anxiety, determination, disappointment, hope and joy. And plenty of contortions that defied description.
Scores of youngsters donned helmets for the annual Barrhead Ford-sponsored event. Announcer Dave McKenzie, a Barrhead town councillor and regional traffic and safety consultant, called competitors to the starting ramp at 10 a.m.
Heats were separated into age groups: 5-8 years; and 9-12 years.
Although competitive, the races were conducted in a good spirit. There were no tantrums, no tears. Everybody arrived with the intention of having fun. Winning was simply a bonus.
Winning was something that seven-year-old Emily Moen became accustomed to until her final race, when she had to settle for second place.
“She’s really happy,” said dad Brian Miller. “First would have been great, but second is okay.”
Medals were awarded at the end. There were also draws, gifts, and free T-shirts handed out.
Nearby children’s entertainment was on offer to keep non-competitors engaged.
Late in the morning, a special visitor appeared – Aaron, the town’s enormous blue heron mascot. Among those he hugged was eight-year-old Samuel Jenkins, from Barrhead, who was almost completely smothered by the feathers.
