For the past 17 years, the Rotary Club of North Whidbey Island Sunrise has sponsored the Whidbey Island Challenge Series Race, which gives kids with disabilities the opportunity to experience the thrill of downhill racing.

This year, the event is planned for Saturday, Aug. 29, beginning at 10 a.m.

Two youngsters are seated in a sleek, bright, shiny soapbox derby-style car. The children participating will co-drive the car with a peer that has been trained to steer and stop the derby car. Faster speed and remembering to stay low in the race car is good advice from the veteran drivers to this year’s “new bees.”

As in previous years, the race will be held on SE Barrington Drive between Island Thrift and the Post Office.

Drivers and parents should check in at the Puget Sound Energy building at 9 a.m.

For registration information, contact Rotarian Susan Lazott at Banner Bank, 240-2303, or visit www.whidbey

rotary.com.

The Challenge Series is a community service project of Sunrise Rotary and many other groups will be present to lend a helping hand.

Assistance is coming from the City of Oak Harbor, Oak Harbor Public Works, Oak Harbor Fire and Police Departments, Oak Harbor School District, Kathy and Butch Laurion and the Leo Finnegan Family.

The Oak Harbor cheerleaders, NJROTC Color Guard and Jus’ Wally the Clown will provide a cheering section for this annual spectacle.

Everyone get ready for a day of clowns, food, fun and miles of smiles.

For information, contact Sandra Crank Mulkey at 675-5347, 675-3755, or email sandramulkey@gmail.com.