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Up the hill on St. Ann’s Avenue, soapbox car derby time trials were underway. About 45 kids rolled down a short ramp on a trailer positioned at the summit, speeding to the bottom of the avenue. Two rows of tires narrowed the pavement track to prevent collisions with the crowd of spectators lined up behind the barriers. Each rider’s precise time was recorded in preparation for the July 4 main derby event, always held after the Douglas parade.

This is the first year the soapbox derby was hosted by the Moose Lodge. Previously, the Dipsticks managed race logistics.

“We’re all volunteers from the launch, so it was a learning experience for everybody this year. I helped out a little bit last year to learn what was going on, but it was fun,” said Moose Lodge country email list volunteer Dave Behrends.

According to Behrends, the ramp trailer for the derby was donated by Southeast Construction, and volunteers built out the surface and railings. He said the Lodge plans to make some tweaks to the operation next year and may even build a new ramp.


“We have some great ideas, you know, to change some things to make it easier for everybody,” Behrends said.

Maggie Swanson, president of the Douglas 4th of July Committee, said changes might be in store for the picnic next year as well.

“We are planning on doing another event after the watermelon contest for kids, but that’s as much as I’m going to say,” Swanson said.