An exciting ride in downtown Youngstown this weekend, as dozens competed in the Greater Youngstown Soap Box Derby.
The annual event was set to start at 9am Saturday morning, but rain and wind delayed the race for about four hours. The first heat didn't end up taking off until after 1pm. There were 34 cars registered this year with entrants from Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties.
Dave Berndt, one of the event organizers, says the soap box derby is a wonderful way for families to spend time together. "I think it's good for the city. It shines a good light. It's a good story. It's the children with the parent. It's a great bonding thing for the kids with their parents and it's just a great sport."
Congratulations go out to this year's winners, 8 year old Melody Castner of Hubbard (Stock division), her 13 year old sister Julia, who won in the Masters division, and 15 year old Haleigh Kuebler of Berlin Center (Super Stock division). All the winners received trophies and cash prizes and will compete in the "All American Race" to be held in Akron next month.
