April 1, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: CHARLOTTE KOESTLER
STONE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
601.928.5418
OR ckoestler@stonecounty.com

SCEDP GEARED UP FOR PINE HILL FESTIVAL SOAP BOX DERBY
New Timer to Improve Judging for Second Annual Event

Stone County, Miss. – The Stone County Economic Development Partnership (SCEDP) is revved up about the Pine Hill Festival Soap Box Derby, which is the second annual race in Stone County and will take place as part of Pine Hill Festival on April 5 in downtown Wiggins.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the race, which is designed to be fun for people of all ages, kids, teams, supporters and spectators alike,” said SCEDP Executive Director Charlotte Koestler. “The SCEDP has helped purchase a new, official soap box derby timer for the judges this year, and with about 20 teams so far expected to compete, we’re expecting a strong contest. The new timer will definitely be needed.”

Ron Stanley, founder and chairman of the Pine Hill Festival Soap Box Derby, said that the new timer will be a significant improvement from last year’s contest, when judges used stop watches to time the races. Another improvement this year is the addition of digital scales.

“We are looking forward to a really great race this year,” he said. “We encourage anyone who’s interested to come out and join in the race,” he said, noting that the rules allow for a broad spectrum of home-made soap box racers to participate.

Stanley said that teams may design and build a fast, themed and fun soap box racer following rules and regulations that allow creativity without the racers’ having to purchase a car kit.

“Most of our soap box cars are built with imagination, basic engineering, and regular household items,” he said. “The idea is to have fun, but have it fast!”

The competition offers two classes for racers. “The Speed Class is open to drivers ages 4 to 15 and allows a weight limit of 250 pounds for box and driver combined. This class is for four-wheeled boxes with wheels designed to be in contact with the road at all times,” explained Stanley. “The Open Class is for any box or driver who does not qualify for the Speed Class.”

Trophies will be given for the first-, second- and third-fastest racers in the Speed Class. A first-place ribbon will be presented to the fastest racer in the Open Class. A People’s Choice trophy will be given to the soap box racer that garners the most votes for its design, and a Sponsorship trophy will be presented to the team that raises the most money. Teams raise money by asking businesses or individuals to sponsor their cars in the race. Sponsors make a monetary donation, and their names are displayed on the racers.

For more information, call the SCEDP offices at 601.928.5418 or go to www.stonecounty.com and select Calendar of Events, Pine Hill Festival, Soap Box Derby. You may also contact Ron Stanley at 601.928.8576 or Jeremy Bond at 228.216.0533.

Info Box:
Pine Hill Festival Soap Box Derby
Saturday, April 5, 2008
• 8:30 a.m., sign-in and practice runs, downtown Wiggins in front of the courthouse on Cavers Ave.
• 9:30 a.m., drivers’ meeting
• 10 a.m., Thrill of the Hill race begins!
• 1 p.m., display of soap box racers for “People’s Choice” voting
• 2 p.m., awards ceremony.

The Stone County Economic Development Partnership is a non-profit entity formed to promote economic development in Stone County; to develop, promote and expand existing businesses and industries in Stone County; to promote tourism and to support the development of infrastructure and services to accommodate a growing economy and community.