The roar of tires down Crystal Ridge Drive will go ahead this year. 

The Okotoks Rotary Club will be bringing back the popular Soapbox Derby for the 31st year. 

Normally held in June, the annual race was rescheduled due to COVID-19 restrictions and has now been set for August 21, 2021. 

Rotary President Jeff Foss is excited to see the races come back this year and is hoping youth in the Foothills get their names in. 

"We want a couple of things. One is drivers, so we need kids age 8 to 14 to sign up and you can sign up online at okotoksrotary.ca and just click on the race car and it takes you right into the registration form."

They are also looking for sponsors to come in to support the youth taking part.

"We are reducing our sponsor levels this year, realizing that everybody just came through COVID. We do have sponsorship levels at the $500, $250, $150 and $100 level."

Sponsors not only help event costs but can also provide youth with the chance to take part in the derby.

"If there are kids out there that want to participate but due to COVID and whatnot just can't afford it. Please let us know … and we'll see if we can't match you up with a car sponsor."

Foss adds COBS Bread in Okotoks has been a massive help. Lee and Kelly Hodgson stepped up and purchased 12 sheets of plywood to keep costs for the kids at a minimum.

The event will run at the same location on Crystal Ridge Drive with a BBQ and food set up for spectators and participants.

Okotoks peace officers will also be on the scene with a radar gun to track the fastest carts. 

"Last time I think it was around 45 clicks. That's pretty fast when you're going two and a half inches off the pavement."

The Okotoks Show and Shine Car Show the very next day. 

More information can be found on their website.

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