Toni Dickens
Special to the Tribune/Weekend Advisor
There were cheers and tears as racers watched the wooden race cars they hand crafted fly to the finish line at the Awana Grand Prix last month.
As in life, only one can win and there were some drivers whose cars were slower than others but all 60 entries left the Evangelical Free Church on 11th Avenue after the event Feb. 20 with some reward. Their greatest reward was the satisfaction of a job well done.
For this evening of racing the club members meticulously fashioned their racing cars from a block of pine wood into a fascinating array of vehicles.
There were traditional cars, a baby buggy, a logging truck, a slice of watermelon, a jaguar and a leopard.
Each participant carved their vehicle from the same shaped block of wood which they took home several weeks earlier to craft with their families.
On race night the children were competing for trophies and bragging rights in their respective age groups.
The track, constructed by Rod Voth and Jim Shetler, made provision for four cars to race simultaneously down a sloping ramp towards the judging station where sharp-eyed judges picked the winners from the speeding cars.
Jason Grieg was charged with the responsibility of getting the cars ready for each heat and launching them down the track.
Trophies were awarded for originality, care in finishing as well as speed.
Several of the leaders took their turn at the concession stand.
The organizers were thrilled by the parental attendance and plan on making this an annual affair.
Children Kindergarten to Grade 6 are cordially invited to attend this Bible-based club held each Friday night from 6 to 7:45 p.m. at the Evangelical Free Church on 11th Avenue.