CREEDE—The Gravity Derby sponsored every year by the Creede and Mineral County Chamber of Commerce will be held Sunday, Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. Everyone is encouraged to enter with friends, family or co-workers to create and race the winning vehicle. In recent years there have been soap box derby racers, rocking horses, customized baby carriages and even a bath tub competing in this gravity-driven event on Main Street in Creede.
There are three categories– ages six to 10, 11 to 16 and adults 17 and older. The entry fee for each vehicle in each age level is $10. Trophies will be awarded in each category, and the races will be run in a double elimination. Registration must be completed by 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2 at the Creede and Mineral County Chamber of Commerce Office. Registration should consist of driver’s name, pusher’s name and team name. On Saturday afternoon, teams will be allowed to practice on La Garita Street in Creede by the old school.
Racers and vehicles must arrive at the upper end of Main Street between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. to complete entry paperwork and to inspect the vehicle to ensure that it can be steered and stopped safely. Races will be in heats consisting of two vehicles per heat, and each heat will begin with a “pusher” which will have a 15-foot “push” area at the beginning of the race. Each “pusher” must be in the same age group as the driver.
This annual derby has been one of the most popular events with folks in the county and kicks off the back-to-school season. Come by the chamber of commerce office in Creede to pick up entry forms and to get answers to any questions about this event.