If the weather this weekend turns out to be as soggy as the forecast, it's a good time to work on an entry for the Cardboard Box Derby next Saturday at Wisp Resort.

It's also a good time to plan to take advantage of several midweek "Spring Fever Specials" in the next two weeks at the western Maryland resort that has received a record amount of natural snow this season.

The derby, sponsored by the Deep Creek Lions Club, is one of the most popular events for participants and spectators during the resort's annual "Beachin' Weekend."

Lions Club members Jean Remmy and Mary O'Neil, who coordinate the derby, said participants can use only cardboard, tape and string to build their boxes, and they must remove their boxes -- or remnants of same -- at the end of the race.

There is no limit to the size of the box or the number of passengers it contains. A non-rider is permitted to provide a push-off at the start. And participants are encouraged to customize their entries with decorations, flags and/or paint.

Remmy and O'Neil said each entry will be timed and the clock will run until the entire entry, including passengers, crosses the finish line. Each entrant will be judged on design and speed. There also will be a Judge's Choice Award. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winner of each category.

The suggested minimum donation for individual and business entries is $20 and $150, respectively. The minimum donation for an event T-shirt is $5. The proceeds will be used to fund the club's Blind Skiers' program and other activities.

The races will begin at 3 p.m. at the top of the Bear Claw Snowtubing Park. The 750-foot-long snow tubing lanes, separated by 3-foot-high "guide rails" of snow, should keep each entry from sliding out of its respective lane.

Remmy and O'Neil, who can be contacted at 1-301-387-8585 and 1-301-616-7512, respectively, said preregistration is strongly encouraged.

Beachin' Weekend begins at 10 a.m. next Saturday with music and games in the main lodge where the Beach Bumz Band will perform from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There also will be music and games in the main lodge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

The Spring Fever Specials will be available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and March 23-25. They include $5 snow tubing sessions, $5 mountain coaster rides, $5 ice skating sessions (rental skates included), a $20 lift ticket and rental skis/snowboard package and a free beginner group ski/snowboard lesson.

All the specials are free to Garrett County and Maryland state road crew employees and their families.

"We wanted them to know how much we appreciated the great job they did to keep the roads clear and safe for residents and visitors this winter," said resort spokeswoman Lori Epp.

As of Friday, Wisp has received a record-breaking amount of natural snow this season -- 263 inches (21 feet, 11 inches).

"That's 30 inches more than we received during the 2002-03 season," Epp said. "And we expect more snow before this season is over."

For more information on Beachin' Weekend, go to www.wispresort.com or call 1-301-387-4911.

Seven Springs has a full schedule of activities for children and their families beginning with a snow tubing party and a pool party Friday evening and ending with a crazy hat dual slalom race Sunday.

Saturday's events include a Snoopy slalom race, saucer race, snow tubing race, snow golf contest, tug of war and a build-your-own sundae bar.

For more information, go to www.7springs.com or call 1-800-452-2223.

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