BLANCHESTER — The police department-sponsored soap box derby was held on Saturday. It was financed by the Citizens for Adequate Policing Trust Fund, established last year after the police department received a donation from an anonymous citizen.

Twenty-three youngsters ages 6 to 17 participated in the race, driving 13 home-made race cars. Spectators of all ages lined the race course throughout the day.

The drivers were divided into three classes based on their ages. First-place in the 6 to 8 year-old class was taken by 8-year-old Riley Wolf. First-place in the 9 to 11 year-old class was taken by Maddie Woodyard, age 10. First-place in the 12 to 17 year-old class was taken by Ronnie Florea, age 12.

We strive to take every opportunity for the police department to work with our citizens toward a common goal, and this event was truly a police/community partnership.

It would not have been possible without the support of the Blanchester Masonic Lodge, whose members helped staff the event. The Blanchester Church of Christ held a workshop for those building cars back in July. The Calvary Baptist Church hosted the event on their grounds and provided free food and drink for all.

Support for the race was also provided by Curless Printing, BDK Feed, Hollon Trucking and Kidd Excavating.

Our thanks also go out to those who live along the race course, who I’m sure were inconvenienced by limited access during the event.

We are grateful to all of those who helped with the event, those parents and grandparents who helped their youngsters build cars and to all of the young citizens who drove the dangerous course.

We plan to hold another soap box derby late next summer.

Scott Reinbolt is the Village of Blanchester’s Police Chief.

Two racers speed down the course.

http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/08/web1_IMG_8958.jpgTwo racers speed down the course.

Members of the Blanchester Masonic Lodge inspect cars before the race in the pit area.

http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/08/web1_IMG_8901.jpgMembers of the Blanchester Masonic Lodge inspect cars before the race in the pit area.

Maddie Woodyard took first place in the age 9 to 11 class.

http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/08/web1_IMG_8911.jpgMaddie Woodyard took first place in the age 9 to 11 class.

Two racers zoom down the starting ramps.

http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/08/web1_IMG_8918.jpgTwo racers zoom down the starting ramps.

A spectator submitted this photo of what is believed to be the last Blanchester soap box derby, in 1945 or 1946.

http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/08/web1_IMG_8922.jpgA spectator submitted this photo of what is believed to be the last Blanchester soap box derby, in 1945 or 1946.