PHOTO ESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
September 2, 2015

The 2015 Soupbox Derby, held in Langley this last Sunday with the most entries in recent years, was a fitting memorial to Tucker Stevens, who is credited with reviving the event. The windstorm and rain retreated in time for the First Street Hill to dry sufficiently that it allowed a safe race for participants and spectators.

“Free Range Chicks” drivers, pit crew and Pam Schell holding candy corn chicken feed, could find nothing else to do while their book club was on summer hiatus.

Oldest racer Peter Lawlor (center) beats the crap out of Gary Piper (left—in his “outhouse”) prompting daughter Gretchen (in red) to run to congratulate him.

Youngest racer and crowd favorite Owen, age three, and his proud father display their trophy.

“Be Beautiful” from 2nd Street Hair Boutique caused the crowd to buzz.

The smallest ‘race car’ — “# 1/2”

Bob Bowling gets ready to launch the largest entry.

Carlos Harry tries to intimidate the competition with mean looks.

The little dog “Dolly”…

…rode in the back of the “Wren” car every time!

The view from the Starting Line at the top of First Street Hill

Image at top: “Free Range Chicks”  driver and rider race down First Street.

David Welton is a retired physician, staff photographer (and occasional writer) for Whidbey Life magazine.

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