One of Midhurst’s most popular community events has been cancelled this year due to construction.
Organizers of the annual Soap Box Derby and Classic Car Show, a Midhurst mainstay since 2017, had to put the brakes on this year’s program due to the force-main construction that has reduced Finlay Mill Road to one lane.
The derby and car show were scheduled for June 8.
“Unfortunately, the event was cancelled for 2024 due to safety concerns surrounding the construction that is taking place,” said Springwater Township Coun. Phil Fisher, one of the event organizers. “Running an event in an active construction area presented risks that were not worth taking.”
According to Fisher, emergency services would have a difficult time navigating multiple closed roads in the event of an emergency.
“It would slow their response times and could potentially be hazardous for participants,” he said. “Because of this, we were not able to hold the event outside of the Midhurst Community Hall.”
The derby has always been held on Doran Road, on the hill in front of the hall because it’s the ideal location with a perfect slope and long, flat stretch after the finish line to slow the cars, Fisher said.
While it was a difficult decision to cancel this year’s event, Fisher said it was the best decision since it was the safest.
“Next year, when the area is clear, we will be in a much better position to hold the event,” he added.
The Soap Box Derby and Classic Car Show is organized and operated by the Midhurst Community Recreation Association, a volunteer group that oversees the derby and Autumnfest. They also build the ice at the Midhurst pavilion rink during the winter.
Over the years, the event has grown steadily, with participants coming from as far away as Sudbury.
“Every year, the number of racers participating in the event grows,” Fisher said. “Last year, we had 18 racers challenging each other in multiple races. In 2025, we aim to see that number reach over 20.”
Already looking ahead, Fisher hopes local soap-box enthusiasts use the down time this year to focus on next year’s event.
The derby is open to children between the ages of seven and 16, on race day. If there’s enough interest, racers 17 and over will be welcomed to race.
All it costs to participate is $10 per racer.
And whatever it costs you to build your custom racer.
While kit cars are permitted, organizers would prefer to see handmade, custom cars built by the young person who is going to race it. Adults are allowed to help.
“Many racers tell us that half the fun of being involved in the event is building the car themselves,” Fisher said.
The cars can be built from whatever safe material the builder chooses as long as there are no sharp edges or protruding parts. They can be a maximum of 1.98 metres long and .92 metres wide, wheel-to-wheel.
All cars require a functioning brake and the driver must know how to control the car while braking.
To contact organizers or to see more details on how to build your custom car for next year’s soap box derby, click here.
