Brody Savoie has provided city council with another big idea.
Buoyed by the success of his idea for Friendship Day in 2015, Brody, now eight, suggested to Salmon Arm’s municipal politicians that, this year, the city should hold a soapbox race.
As he had hoped, council got behind the plan.
At council’s Feb. 14 meeting, Brody explained that because this year is Canada’s 150th birthday, he would like the city to do something bigger than the 2015 Friendship Day.
“I’d like to do a soapbox race – I got the idea on TV,” he said, before listing all the details of his plan.
The race would be held on Saturday, June 24 down Hudson Avenue. He envisions three people per team - two people pushing with one driving, or vice versa – with family entries encouraged.
The course would be modified for younger teams. Points would be given for a short performance at the top of the hill before taking off down the course. He said drivers would have to wear a helmet and the soap boxes must have tires.
How they hold up, speed, performance and creativity would be some of the judging categories.
After hearing his plans, council decided to get on board with their own vehicle.
Learning that the performance at the top of the hill would be themed on the soapbox, Coun. Alan Harrison quipped, to laughter: “Politicians and soap boxes. That shouldn’t be a problem.”
Harrison said he was glad Brody had come to council.
“I really like ideas. I’m glad your Friendship Day was successful and now you’re trying a soapbox race.”
Mayor Nancy Cooper also expressed her appreciation.
“He’s thought about everything, he’s well organized, and I liked his demonstration,” she said, referring to the miniature cardboard track and soapbox Brody had made to demonstrate his idea to council.
Coun. Louise Wallace Richmond asked Brody to keep council informed of how his plans are progressing, and she said the event would be put up on the city’s Canada 150 Facebook page.
Coun. Kevin Flynn said he was glad Lindsay Wong, manager of Downtown Salmon Arm, was present at the meeting to hear Brody’s plan. He said he’d be willing to offer a small amount of money from the council initiatives fund if it was needed for the race.
Council voted unanimously to support the race.