LAVERKIN — As a collaboration between the Race Ready Foundation and the LaVerkin Police Department, the annual charitable gravity car race will take off this Saturday, Sept. 9, in an event likely reminiscent of a 1994 film.
The Cops & Cars Charity Car Show is featuring the Race Ready Gravity Car Showdown, a gravity-powered racing event for youth. LaVerkin Police Chief Nick Nuccitelli told St. George News they began organizing soapbox derbies 10 years ago in LaVerkin with a mission to help break down barriers between the police and residents. The events also are intended to positively influence the youth, he added.
“The cars are powered by gravity alone,” he said. “It is a great way for kids to learn about engineering, physics and teamwork. It is also a lot of fun.”
After having to cancel the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this will be the second year for the event since the pandemic. And last year’s race proved to be a great time for racers and fans alike, the chief said.
Having spent time building their own cars from kits or from scratch, he said they are ready to race and called the event their “own Little Rascals,” in reference to the 1994 movie, “The Little Rascals.”
The racetrack runs downhill on Center Street and passes by LaVerkin Elementary School, starting at 4 p.m. and finishing by 8 p.m. While the event is free to attend, Nuccitelli said organizers are asking people to consider donating to a charity of their choice.
The event also includes a writing contest open to all LaVerkin Elementary students, and the winner is picked before the event.
The event is a collaborative effort between local law enforcement and the Race Ready Foundation, a nonprofit that provides workshops to youth. The racing event and its proceeds will benefit the foundation, which teaches youth skills to self-regulate how much they use their cellphones, computers and technology. A few other local smaller charitable organizations also will benefit, the chief said.
“We really feel like this brings families together,” he said. “Parents and siblings help the younger youth build these cars, and they all come and support each other. It really brings families closer together.”
Since the foundation teamed up with the LaVerkin Police Department, they hold the event each year during the Sept. 11 memorial weekend in honor of first responders, he said.
“It is important these kids learn about 9/11 and what happened,” he said. “It helps teach them respect for first responders.”
Nuccitelli said a short memorial ceremony will be held at the event.
“We can’t wait as this will help out multiple local charitable purposes and will help the kids have fun and just be kids again,” Nuccitelli said.
Local vendors, food trucks, artisans and musicians will be present to provide food and entertainment.
To enter the race, register at this link.
For entry into the car show, click here.
For vendor registration, click here.
For additional information, email Nuccitelli.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.