PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Westside Legends will host its fourth annual Westside Sweet G Super Soap Box Derby on Saturday, Aug. 9, from noon to 4 p.m. with a rain date of Aug. 10. 

 

Check-in for racers starts at 11 a.m. at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Robbins Avenue.

 

The event features a day of activities for the whole family.

 

There will be three race classes: kids from 6-12, kids from 13-17, and an adult class, ages 18 and older. Trophies will be presented in each division.

 

The racers will “zoom” down Robbins Avenue, and the finish line will be at Southern Avenue.

 

Inspired by soap box races in Pittsfield’s West Side during the 1960s, the Westside Super Soap Box Derby was developed by the leaders of Westside Legends, who have fond memories of racing down Columbus Avenue and West Street – and are excited to bring a fun event back to the community.

 

This year’s race will feature cars built by kids who participated in Pittsfield’s Summer Playground Programs at Durant Park, Clapp Park, and the Common.

 

The race is dedicated to community member Brian “Sweet G” Goines, who died in 2020. Brian’s brother Kirt Goines races in his brother’s memory each year.

 

For this event Westside Legends is excited to partner with entities like the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Blue Q, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, Green Energy Consumer Alliance, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Interprint, Mill Town Foundation, PCTV, Premium Waters and TDI-MassDevelopment.

 

Come have fun and meet the neighbors. While you are there, please enjoy the food by Grampie’s Hot Dog Stand, Officer Darren Derby’s “Operation Copsicle”, and Cravin’s Ice Cream. Green Energy Consumers Alliance will have several electric vehicles on display.