Cub Scouts host 67th Annual Soapbox Derby on Main Street

PLAQUEMINE – Cub Scout Pack 21 of Plaquemine hosted the 67th Annual Soapbox Derby from the levee along Main Street this past weekend.

The event drew a total of 50 gravity racers that sped up competition to finish Saturday night before inclement weather, according to Pack Committee Chairman Angelic Blanchard.

“It is a tradition,” Blanchard said. “The daddies really get into it and should receive a prize, too. They work really hard and so do the mamas.”

The racers are six-feet long and a 200-pound limit is set for the weight of the driver and car.

They rely completely upon gravity to move and start on top of a ramp or hill. The Mississippi River levee has provided this service since the event’s inception.

The event is open to all Cub Scouts in the Istrouma Area Council and held every year in April or May. A rank of Wolf, Bear or Webelo is required to race.

Only one grand champion is awarded after the top finishing six advance to the final round. A Sportsmanship, People’s Choice and Car Show award is also presented.

Pack 21’s Kade Schexnaildre was the first-place winner this weekend. Kegan Landry of Pack 21 placed second and Pack 39’s Greyson Michel was third.

Placing fourth was Trevor Rivet of Pack 39 followed by Chandler Courtade of Pack 21 and Kyle Marionneaux of Pack 39.

Clay LeBlanc also was the 2013 Soapbox Derby T-shirt design winner. The Best in Show award went to Kegan Landry’s “Feelin Froggy.”

The People’s Choice Award went to Joshua David’s “Nothing to Hide.” The Sportsmanship award was presented to Brady Gourges.