Kids find fun and games at annual Challenge Series Derby race

The Lynnwood Rotary Club’s 10th annual Challenge Series Derby went off without a hitch Saturday morning. More than 100 kids and their families filled the Lynnwood Elementary School entrance with laughter and competitive spirit.

For the past decade, the Challenge Series Derby has provided a fun and free soap box derby-type racing experience to kids 5 and older — including those with and without developmental disabilities. Each rider is paired with an older racer trained to guide the gravity cars and apply brakes when necessary, ensuring a safe drive. Equipped with a free shirt and a few sugary snacks, racers were set to ride all morning. Upon completion, participants also received a small medal to commemorate their racing debut.

Hot-shot racers also enjoyed a host of other activities and treats, including ice cream from Kool Kids, balloon animals, face painting and a bouncy house. Families could tour a fire engine from South County Fire or hop in a new electric bus from Community Transit.

Some adults also get to have a bit of fun racing. Each year, local firefighters and police each send a delegate to compete against each other. This year, South County firefighter Austin Bach was trounced by the Lynnwood Police Department’s Maryam McDonald and her canine companion. During their first race, Bach crossed the cone median and rammed into the side of McDonald’s car. Racers were sent back to the start for a little lecture from curbside kid drivers. The impromptu lesson didn’t help Bach, who collided with the curb as McDonald flew past.

The event was co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lynnwood, the City of Lynnwood, the Edmonds School District and Life Enrichment Options (LEO). LEO is a nonprofit that advocates for,  and works to support, individuals with developmental disabilities through supportive housing, recreation, employment opportunities and community education.