Soap Box Derby Sunday On Beaverwood Road

The carts are ready and the hill on Beaverwood Road will be lined with cheering fans as Manotick gets ready to host the annual Allan Haan Soap Box Derby.

The MVCA named the event after longtime Manotick community volunteer and philanthropist Allan Haan two years ago. Haan first brought the idea forward in 2011 during his regular coffee group at the French Café, a popular spot in the Manotick Mews.

“At first, people just looked at me like I was crazy,” Haan said. “They didn’t really know about soap box derbies, and how kids get into it and their parents get into it. I talked about it for a while and then presented the idea to the Manotick Village Community Association.”

The first soap box derby was an overwhelming success. Kids started building their carts with their fathers and then decorated them. Some came from throughout Eastern Ontario and Quebec to participate in the event. The community turned out to cheer the kids on There were even celebrity drivers, and the most memorable moment in Manotick soap box history involved a man who hopes to become Canada’s next prime minister.

“That is one moment everyone still seems to talk about,” said Haan. “Pierre (Poilievre) was racing, and he couldn’t stop his cart. He turned into the parking lot at the bottom of the hill and crashed into the shed. Fortunately he wasn’t hurt.”

Through the years, the MVCA had instructions available on how to build a cart and what the specifications are. Manotick Home Hardware has been a headquarters through the years for supplies for building carts.

“I think building the carts is just as fun as race day,” Haan said. “It is really rewarding to see the kids with their carts and the decorating they have done.”

While the Allan Haan Soap Box Derby is quickly approaching, Haan said there is still room for some last minute entries.

“We have six carts for kids to use if they did not build their own carts,” he said. “We still have room for more racers.”

For anyone wishing to register for the soap box derby, please visit manotickvca.org/soapboxderby.

Featured Image – Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari and Rideau Jock Councillor David Brown race down Beaverwood Road in Manotick during last year’s Allan Haan Soap Box Derby.