The Moths Soap Box Derby returns

Roodepoort and West Rand residents must mark 12 May on their calendars because the Annual Moths Soap Box Derby is making a comeback. The iconic event at the Moths Shellhole beside Florida Lake used to be part of the Roodepoort calendar for decades. It was stopped in the 1980s due to increased traffic, the development of the area and meeting the increasingly difficult requirements of health and safety.

Now the Lions Club of Roodepoort Host would like to see this uniquely Roodepoort tradition remembered, revived and revitalised.

Lions Club of Roodepoort Host, Project Chairman Ivor Clifford said the new event could not be exactly as the old one.

“A different but nearby venue would be needed. The event would be run on grass and many other events would be included to give a wider appeal to the whole community.

Two types of events are planned for the day. The first is a traditional downhill Soap Box Derby for the adventurous among us and the second a push-cart relay for the younger participants and families,” he said.

When the event returns next year, the Roodepoort Lions plan to introduce a slightly different format. It will include all age groups from seven to 70 and will take place on grass at the 4×4 Track on Robert Broom Drive on 12 May next year. Schools from less privileged areas will be invited to participate and assisted by the Lions to build a kart. The community is encouraged to start building their carts now in preparation. There will be stalls selling food and cool drinks, entertainment and fun events like the pyramid of oranges, catch the mouse, face painting and many other attractions.

“There must be many people out there who have memorabilia, programmes, photographs, stories and even old Soap Box Carts from that era. If you have any of these things or would be interested in helping us to rebuild this event we would like to hear from you,” said Ivor.

For more information, contact either Ivor Clifford on 082 441 2153 or Colin Gover on 011 672 9433.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine

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