Thanks extended to ‘Wheels’ supporters

The return of the soap box derby in Keyport July 31 brought together many residents, business leaders, the Keyport Fire Department, and town officials for all the right reasons — family fun in a special place to live, work and play. Keyport on Wheels weekend celebrated the return of the derby along with a battle of the bands, new car expo and remote-control stock car racing.

Keyport Business Alliance (KBA) extends its thanks to Mayor John J. Merla; Council members June Atkins, Rob Bergen, Bob Hyer, Joe Wedick, John Doyle and Brian Stalter; Sen. Joe Kyrillos; and Assemblyman Sam Thompson for their support and enthusiasm in bringing back the Keyport soap box derby tradition. Many second-generation derby cars reappeared along with newly built derby cars that wowed the spectators.

Keyport Business Alliance also wants to thank the countless volunteers who assisted that day and contributed as derby officials, including Keyport Fire Patrol; Keyport Fire Chief Roy Jiminez; Ken Krohe; Keyport First Aid; Don Buhler, Buhler Automotive Group; George Sappah and Keyport Department of Public Works; Norm and Kurt Janowitz; Matawan Tool & Manufacturing; Keyport Police; Sam Minor and Larry Poland.

The racers and their families are to be congratulated on their hard work to build their derby cars. It was this dedication that created a new family tradition in Keyport. KBA appreciates the participants’ enthusiasm and their efforts to work with us to fine-tune the derby races to blend the old traditions with new regulations for fun and safety for the kids. We are already planning for next year and looking forward to an expanded event that is fun for the whole family.

The Keyport soap box derby and Keyport on Wheels was presented by the Keyport Business Alliance and managed by Allen Consulting. Generous support was provided by Buhler Auto Group, Shrewsbury State Bank, Super Foodtown, 94.3 The Point, The Family of Straub dealerships, and www.2Keul.com.

Jeffrey Fink

President

Keyport Business Alliance