A block party held at the corner of Coal and Third streets in Lehighton this past weekend had all the excitement of a NASCAR car race when a group of youngsters raced in soapbox derbies raced to the finish on Saturday.

In a double elimination, the racers wanted to win and the brakes weren't utilized until they were well over the finish line nearly a half block away.Sherry Sernak, principal at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School, was pleased with the number of drivers and cars competing in this first time event."They had a good time," she said. "I had no idea they would bring cars that looked this great."After the race completed, the winners were: in the 9 to 11 age category, Tyler Locher, first, Briana Keiser, second; and Elwood Reed III, third; and in the 12 and 13 age category, first, Devin Frantz, second, Migel Gonzalez; and third Garry Goodhile.There were also other events throughout the weekend, such as a Lehighton Idol Contest and the "I Don't Want to be a Duck" event with ping pong balls dropped on Third Street. There were also live entertainment, crafters, vendors and homemade food.