Florence soapbox derby offer races for kids who are novices and ?pros?

The Florence Labor Day Committee will sponsor a soap box derby competition called ?King of the Hill? at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

This event is offered with the support of Wray Roofing in North Newton and assistance from the Florence Fire Depart?ment.

The race will be double elimination down Fifth Street hill with two classes of cars: open and stock.

Practice runs for both classes will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude by 1 p.m., with the event beginning at 1:30 p.m. Each participant is limited to two practice runs.

The stock class has four cars available that were built by the Florence Labor Day Committee and community volunteers. This race is for children ages 9 to 12 who weigh 120 pounds or less and are no taller than 5-foot, 3 inches.

All participants will be required to bring their own bicycle helmet and wear it during the competition. The race will be limited to the first 30 riders.

The open class will be for participants who bring their own cars. The same double-elimination format will be followed. There is no limit on participants for the open class.

The winners in the stock class will have their name engraved on a trophy to be displayed at the city of Florence office, and will receive a separate trophy and a Wii game station.

Trophies will be presented for both classes for first, second and third placements. All participants will receive dog tags engraved with the event?s name and date.

Registration and waiver forms should be completed and returned to the event coordinator prior to 1:30 p.m. The forms are available at the elementary schools in Marion, Hillsboro and Peabody-Burns.

For more information, contact John Swarm, 816-835-6800.

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