Get out your measuring tape and tools for the Leonard Strawberry Festival’s First Annual Strawberry Derby.

Kids, ages 7-17, are invited to build their own soapbox cars (non-motorized) and race them at the Strawberry Festival on Saturday, July 15 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The derby is being organized by Leonard residents Lauren LoCascio and Kyle Stapp.

“It’s definitely going to add a lot of excitement to the Strawberry Festival,” LoCascio said. “I think it’s going to be a great chance for kids and their parents or adult friends to work together on a project where they can be creative… I also think it’s going to be a great way to get the community involved in something and (bring everyone) together.”

The races will be held on W. Elmwood Ave. in Leonard, which will be closed-off throughout the event.

Meetings to discuss rules, regulations and registration will be held Wednesday, April 26 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 29 at 10 a.m. at Rowland Hall (23 E. Elmwood, Leonard).

For more information, please contact leonardstrawberryderby@gmail.com, call LoCascio at (248) 416-6676, or Stapp at (248) 918-8797.