WEST PARIS — Resident John LemMon advised selectmen Thursday that the Soap Box Derby races will be held later this summer.

Races and events will be spread over two weekends, Aug. 6-7, as well as Aug. 13-14.

LemMon said multiple local fire departments, ambulance companies and business are all in line to help with the event.

“There will be a smokehouse, fire demonstrations, a blood pressure checking station and fire rescue demonstrations,” he said.

Also on the agenda are cooking competitions. Live entertainment is still sought to round out the family friendly event.

The races will be held all four days and age classes for kids and adults are available.

To date, three local businesses have sponsored trophies for $40 each and the event is looking for more business sponsors.

More information about rules, schedule of events and contact info can be found at www.facebook.com/wpsoapboxderby.

In other business, the board:

* Voted to reject all prior bids for repairs to the town’s ball field because they were more than hoped for. Selectmen instead approved an estimate by Sports Fields Inc. in Monmouth for $12,000 to restore the infield and agreed that the leveling, surface and seeding work needed on the outfield would be done with town employees and town equipment, with overtime being paid from West Paris Athletic Association funds for ball field upgrades.

* Heard from interim Town Manager Wade Rainey, who suggested trying a new type of plow cutting edge, called Polarflex, on one of the trucks. “A regular cutting edge is $1,000 and replaced yearly. … These can be changed out in sections at a reduced cost,” Rainey said. Even though the initial investment is $2,000, it would save money over time.

* Approved a bid for $725 from TreeCo to remove two dangerous trees on Pioneer Street. Two other companies were asked to bid but did not do so before the June 9 deadline.

* Approved and signed a quitclaim deed to turn property on High Street back to Bruce J. Thomas, now that all back taxes have been paid in full.