Rotary's Soap Box derby rolls down Sprigg Street today

It can be a bonding experience in more than one way.

This morning, 31 racers ages 8 to 17 will roll down a hill in Cape Girardeau in miniature carts they built themselves.

The winners in two divisions -- stock and super stock --will move on to the national Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.

But win or lose, event organizers say the derby is a great parent/child experience.

The derby -- sponsored by the Rotary Club 448 -- kicks off at 9 a.m. today on north Sprigg Street near Blanchard Elementary School. Two racers at a time -- in carts that weigh a 200 and 230 pounds -- will compete against each other. This is the eighth annual race for the Rotary Club, though the event began long before that in Cape Girardeau.

Log on to www.semissourian.com for details about the race and photos.