'Unusual' is one way to describe this Bisbee soap box derby | Events

This might sound funny, but have you ever seen a submarine go coasting down the street?  Not many people can say they have, except maybe those who live in Old Bisbee.

On June 16, if you happen to be down Bisbee way, you might just get the chance. The Bisbee Rolling Arts Transport Society (aka-B.R.A.T.S.) will be holding their fourth annual Artist Soap Box Derby.  The idea for BRATS came from Andrew Nelson and Poe Dismuke, who launced the inaugural event in 2009.  They were inspiried by similar soap box derbies in Portland and San Francisco.  These aren't your typical soap box derby carts either, these guys focus on creativity, spectacle and quirky fun.

B.R.A.T.S racers get to race their handmade and colorful 'art kars' down historic Brewery Avenue in Bisbee, from Mimosa Market to Goar Park, these races are also a part of the 8th annual Bisbee Pride Weekend. 

The rules for creating a 'gravity propelled coaster' (derby kar) are these:  it must have three or more wheels, must be steerable and stoppable, not more than $200 spent to build it, and it can't be taken too seriously. 

Past kars have included a scale locomotive, a can of tomato soup (shown), a giant cigar and a rolling sardine can.

Before all the exciting racing action starts there will be a B.R.A.T.S. preview party and fundraiser on June 15.  Those who attend will get a sneak peek at all the eclectic kars, meet the artists behind the kars and enjoy bratwurst, beer and some local live music.  The party begins at 6 p.m. on June 15 at the Jonquil Motel (317 Tombstone Canyon) in Old Bisbee.  Admission is free and the food sales proceeds go to the Community Montessori School of Bisbee.

The Soap Box Derby will start at 3 p.m. on June 16, from Mimosa Market to Goar Park.  Spectators are encouraged to line up along the race route to catch a great view of the wacky racers as they speed by.  The kars will also be on display (for an up close look) at Goar Park at 11 a.m., the day of the race. 

Spectators are encouraged to join the crew for the 'not-so-coveted' hand-crafted Braty Awards ceremony at Goar Park, at the intersection of Brewery Avenue and Howell Avenue at 4:30 p.m.

For more information about this crazy soap box derby please contact Melissa Holden at (520)432-4866 or melissa@centralschoolproject.org.