Aylmer 500
Soapboxes have returned in Aylmer
Christian Rochefort
Soapbox racing is back in Gatineau after a seven-year absence, with the last race taking place in 2018 on Main Street in the city's east end. This time, it took place on Rue Principale in Aylmer, on Sunday, August 24.
Young people aged 7 to 17 were able to enjoy the cars provided by the Corporation du Vieux Aylmer, which organized the race. Given the short time between the announcement of the event and the race, the corporation decided to provide the cars for the occasion. Twenty volunteers assembled them from kits purchased in Montreal.
Seeing the enthusiasm this year – were quickly taken – Nathalie Lavergne, event coordinator and race organizer, hopes that the "Aylmer 500" will catch on and that runners will have the opportunity to make their ownracers for next year.
the 100 places reserved for the event
These races were popular in Aylmer in the 1950s and 1960s before moving to Main Street in Gatineau. Many young people participated in the races in Aylmer, and hundreds of people came to cheer them on.
There will be "no awards this year. Next year we'll have more time and will be able to identify the categories. This year, we're just having fun. Long live Old Aylmer!" explains Nathalie Lavergne, event coordinator.
Making Aylmer 500 possible:
- Event Coordinator: Nathalie Lavergne
- Race Organizer: Corporation du Vieux-Aylmer, led by President Aimé Johnston
- Board members to mention: Stephen Washer, Romain Riva, Justin Ford, and Sacha Ostiguy-van der Sluis
- Logistics: Harfang Logistique
- From the City of Gatineau: Marie-Chantale Germain
- City Councillor: Steven Boivin
Special thanks also go out to all the volunteers, whose dedication made this event possible.
