Soap Box Derby is good for whole family

Congratulations go to Nick Austin of Cape Girardeau, who did Southeast Missouri proud at the 65th annual All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, recently.

No, Nick didn't win. He didn't make it beyond of the first round. But Nick was a good sport who made lots of friends and understood the meaning of the competition.

"I went there because I wanted to win, but if I didn't, that was OK too," he said.

Nick took the trip with his family after qualifying in the Rotary Club of Cape Girardeau's local soap box derby in the spring. Boys and girls who participate build their derby cars from kits, usually working with their parents. Then they take a gravity-powered ride down Sprigg Street to see who did the best job and is the most skilled driver.

It is a wholesome activity for the whole family.

Next spring, there will be another local derby and another trip to Akron for the lucky winner. It's a good time to start thinking about entering.