The Village of East Alton started this event as a contribution to the area celebration of the new Clark Bridge. Mayor Silkwood and Board of Trustees have been dedicated to continue with making this event possible. This unique event is designed for fun only and is held the Saturday after Labor Day for area youth to race in a soapbox car down Berkshire Hill. In case of rain, the races will be possibly delayed that day or rescheduled for the following day, Sunday, with a start time after 12 noon. 

Soap box cars are provided for the participants. Participants must be 7 years of age by race date and meet requirement for the Stock Car Division: 4ft to 4ft 9 inches and must weight between 55-90 pounds. Participants must be able to pass a safety check, fit comfortably in the car, operate the brakes and handle the steering of the car. The fee to participate in this year's race is $2 for a Village corporate resident and $4 for a non-resident. $1 late fee will be applied to registrations recived after August 31st. This fee includes a program, picture in the soap box car, and a soap box t-shirt. There is a maximum of 200 racers for this event, so register early.

***VOLUNTEERS NEEDED***
The Soap Box Festival is good fun for the whole family, but it requires a lot of volunteer help for the race set up, test run and safety check helpers, starting line helpers, finish line, and clean-up. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please call the Keasler Recreation Complex at 259-7411. Your help and/or your organization's help is greatly appreciated.

***VENDORS NEEDED***
Do you make crafts? Do you want to sell your products? If so, the Soap Box festival is a great opportunity for you to share your creations and make a few dollars in the process. Many vendors use this opportunity to share their talents, pass out information about their business, products, clubs or organizations, host a fundraiser or just be a helping hand during this event. If you are interested in having a booth or have any questions please contact the Keasler Recreation Complex 259-7411.

***CAR SPONSORSHIP***
Do you want to be a Soap Box Car sponsors? This event is not possible without our dedicated car sponsors. These sponsors purchase and maintain their soapbox car and have it decorated with their business advertisement. Each sponsor pays an entry fee of $85 (paid each year) for the year's annual race to cover additional event insurance. This event currently has 24 car sponsors and is searching for more potential sponsors. If you have any questions please call the Keasler Recreation Complex at 618-259-7411.