SPECIAL SOAP BOX DERBY PREVIEW IN FRIDAY'S PAPER

A soap box derby, the likes of which have not been seen in Cape Girardeau for many years, is set to take place Saturday morning on North Sprigg Street.

The Southeast Missourian will publish a special section Friday previewing the derby, which is a project of the Rotary Club of Cape Girardeau. The derby's major sponsor is St. Francis Medical Center.

About 43 youngsters between the ages of 9 and 16 have built their soap box cars and are scheduled to race.

Donna Denson, director of targeted publications at the Southeast Missourian, said the entire community stands to benefit from events such as the soap box derby.

"The drivers and their sponsors have worked hard getting their racers ready for derby day," said Denson, whose daughter Charlee, 11, is a driver in the race.

"This event takes a great deal of planning, and the Rotary Club of Cape is to be commended for sponsoring the event. I encourage the community to come out and show their support of our area youth. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Bryce March, a Cape Girardeau resident who raced in soap box derbies during the late '30s and early '40s, said the all aspects of racing, from construction to the race itself, help children build character.

"The kids get the close association with their parent or guardian as they construct the racer. They pursue the job to completion," said March, who helped the youngsters safely construct cars for Saturday's race.

"I was reassured by the success of many of those young people in reading the white prints and handling the tools, too. The competition, following rules and playing the game fairly all are beneficial to them."

Derby organizer Dieter Jedan, who is a member of the sponsoring Rotary club, said he thought a soap box derby would be a good family event for the Cape Girardeau area.

"We don't have a lot of family activities where the parents and the kids and the club can work together and add something to the community," he said. "Not only will it strengthen the goals of Rotary, but it also will make the city a better place."

In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for Sept. 23.

Derby events include:

* Special check-in Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Blanchard Elementary School gymnasium, where cars will be weighed and inspected. There also will be a drivers' meeting at 7:30 p.m.

* Saturday morning check-in begins at 6:30 a.m. for anyone who cannot attend Friday evening.

* Time trials between 7 and 9 a.m Saturday.

* Race at 10 a.m Saturday.

* Awards presented 30 minutes after the last race.

Jedan said the parts of the race are scheduled to be broadcast by Zimmer Radio, and a winners' circle will be set up after the race at Blanchard school. The top four winners will receive trophies, and all other entrants will receive ribbons.

In addition to St. Francis, other sponsors include Southeast Missouri Hospital, Zimmer Radio, Chap Arnold Insurance Co. and KFVS 12.

Jedan said he expects the derby to be a fun time for kids, parents and families.