Soap Box Derby

It may be that all games are silly. But then, so are humans.  

Robert Lynd

What to do on a rainy Saturday. My husband and I have grown accustomed to this not being a problem as it hasn't rained in Central Texas in the past few years. This year the skies have produced much moisture and prompted a necessary change in our mindsets.

With the ground sodden, the lake filled with debris, and more rain to come, we decided to take in a movie. The last time my husband and I went to a movie together? Three years ago?

Movie time was a couple hours off so we stopped in our little Hill Country town to see what was happening with all the tents lined up on Main Street. Sometimes there are craft fairs or a wine festival, but what we found proved much more exciting.

A Soap Box Derby. An adult Soap Box Derby.

I recall reading stories when I was in elementary school about boys entering soap box derbies. No where I lived had them, so for me, it was just fiction. To come across my first one at age 58 proved most enlightening.

The Course - up the ramp, down the ramp, three blocks to the finish.

With the start of the race rain-delayed for another hour, we walked along the street to view the competition.

We marveled at some of the artwork on the street

"Let me share the wisdom of an adult soap box derby."

and  found ourselves at an outdoor restaurant. Marble Falls, being close to Austin, offered an excellent musician to keep us entertained while we sipped a margarita and awaited the starting gun.

Race time arrived. We found a good spot for our viewing pleasure.

This being Texas and all, we had to bow our heads and pray for the safety of the racers and the grace of the rain. Then we sang the National Anthem

And then...

...you truly must blow this up, turn up the sound, and watch this all the way to the end.

How fun was that?

Of course we needed another margarita.

In between races, we had a few side events. What would a derby be without fancy hats and a hat competition?

Won by that little lady in the yellow. 

And then, there are always a few crazies running around.

This being Texas and all.

We never made it to the movies. Americana. Gotta love it.

What's going on in your town?