After designing their own boxcar, nearly 30 Jackson County Head Start preschoolers were ready to race.

They paraded around the gymnasium at Girls Inc. of Jackson County in Seymour, showing off their cardboard creations.

Then lining up on one end of the gym, four children at a time were given the cue to run to the opposite side, with family members and Head Start staff members chanting their names. They then returned back to where they started, and another group of kids raced.

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Once everyone had competed, they received a trophy and a high-five from Gloria Quicksell, parent enrollment and involvement specialist with Head Start.

Head Start has conducted the 500 race for the past five years. The day before, pit night is conducted to give parents a chance to work on their child’s boxcar. Others choose to work on their boxcars at home and bring them to the race.

Head Start is a free preschool program for income-eligible families. Four classes — two in the morning and two in the afternoon — are offered for children ages 3 to 5. An eight-hour class may be available in the future.

Transportation is provided if a child lives in the bus area.

Enrollment is underway for the 2016-17 school year. Children must be 3 years old by Aug. 1.

For information, call 812-522-2065 or 800-878-9608.