Idle Free Jamboree March 29th

The City of Victoria Environmental Services Department is hosting the Idle Free Jamboree from 10 a.m. to noon March 29. This year's Idle Free Jamboree will be at the Liberty Academy Track off Sam Houston Drive near the Liberty Academy campus and behind the Victoria Fine Arts Center. The event is free, and its purpose is to raise awareness about air quality and ways to keep the air that we breathe clean, such as keeping vehicles maintained to reduce emissions, not idling, stopping at the click when refueling your vehicle, carpooling to work and school or walking or riding a bicycle, just to name a few.

During the third annual jamboree, students from VISD schools will race against each other around the track in pedal cars constructed from PVC and recycled bicycle parts. Racing in cars without motors reinforces the message of preserving and protecting Victoria's air quality. Races are conducted on a bracket system, with each school having the opportunity to race at least twice. Sixteen schools will be racing against each other. Racing teams will consist of students serving as drivers, pit crews and even team cheerleaders.

Each year, the jamboree starts and finishes with special exhibition races. The first exhibition race will feature Scott Taylor of the Scott Taylor Band racing against Brian Parker from Pop Rocks Ugly. The final race of the day will feature Assistant Fire Chief Tracy Fox versus Assistant Chief of Police Roy Boyd.

In addition to the races promoting air quality, there will be free food, drinks and a raffle for adults and kids. The community is invited to attend this educational and fun event and to cheer on their favorite team.

The Idle Free Jamboree is sponsored by Atzenhoffer, Waste Management, Home Depot, H-E-B, Republic Services, Dr Pepper, Ferguson, Tractor Supply Co., Wal-Mart, Killebrew and the Victoria Television Group.