Chickity Check It! Fish Box Derby Sunday Morning

Hey Joey, thanks for thinking of us. I have included our mission statement below, which is about as close to a press release as we get. The seventeenth annual race begins Sunday morning the 19th on the Rogers Street hill in front of Gorton’s. Practice runs at 11:00 and the heats at High Noon. This year we have 37 cars registered for the "Thrill of the Hill", I know competition will be keen. We are expecting Mayor Kirk, Senator Tarr, and Rep. Ferrante to help us kick off the race, so bring your camera and come on down for one of the great family events of the Gloucester year.

Greg Bover

Clerk

Fish Box Derby Committee

The Fish Box Derby Race is a family event held each year in early September. The race was established by a non-profit organization (Fish Box Derby, Inc.) whose purpose it is to provide the local youth with an opportunity to build and strengthen family relations. Since 1994, the Fish Box Derby has offered the kids of Cape Ann the opportunity to test their design, building and driving skills in a safe and exciting race down Rogers Street. Boys and girls from ages eight to fourteen are eligible to enter. We have purposely stayed independent from the All-American Soapbox Derby so that parents and kids can work together on the cars, and that everything from buggy wheels to high tech bearings is allowed.

There is no entry fee for the race, we are fully supported by charitable donations from individuals, businesses and local organizations, whose names are emblazoned on the hay bales that line the course. Through the generosity of our supporters, the Fish Box Derby now offers two $1,000 college scholarships each year, for which all racers are eligible. It has been truly rewarding to see our former participants take the lessons learned in the race with them into adulthood.

The cars are entered into one of two categories: "Freestyle" or "Modified". Prize categories include the traditional First, Second, Third, Fourth, as well as Best Pit Crew and Koolest Car. Donations made to the Fish Box Derby Race help to cover all race-related expenses. The balance is placed in a scholarship fund for the young participants. Each participant is eligible to apply for scholarship funds as she or he prepares to graduate from high school. For race details, helping on a committee, or general information, see or website www.fishboxderby.org or write to: Fish Box Derby, Inc. PO Box 162 Gloucester, Ma. 01931-0162. Telephone 978-283-1932, or 978-281-6057