Pocono News Section

Soap Box Derby Returning to Williamsport

Soap Box Derby Returning to Williamsport - Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 04:21AM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Thursday May 13 2010
Soap box derbies were all the rage more than half a century ago. Now, they're coming back to Billtown.

Eyewitness News spent the day with some of the people who are putting the wheels back in motion on this popular past time.

Deep down in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette's archives, we dug up some microfilm highlighting the glory days of the city's soap box derby.

This year's race director, Jim Campbell, remembers watching the derby as a little boy.

Campbell recalled, "The experience for the kids was tremendous. And it was so well attended. We had thousands of people back then."

Back then was in the 1940's and 50's.

Now, a dedicated group of volunteers is set to bring the popular race to life once again.

Sun-Gazette Publisher Bernard Oravec said, "I think what we're hoping the kids take away is that there are things to do in the area other than sit home and play video games and watch television."

As in the past, the Sun-Gazette will be a major derby sponsor.

They believe the races on July 3rd will be a perfect way to highlight the city.

Oravec noted, "It's going to showcase Williamsport as the glowing community that it really is. It's going to place a star on top of our community to show how active and exciting it is to be in the area."

This year's drivers, from ages 8-17, will race down the same stretch of Market Street- from Brandon Park to Little League Boulevard- used by the original soap box derby drivers more than 50 years ago.

These days, the derby cars come in kits the racers will put together.

A construction clinic will be held next Saturday at Penn College to guide participants.

All 52 entries are sponsored by local businesses.

Campbell added, "A race this size, especially our first time coming back, has required four major event sponsors and the list keeps growing of people that are giving things."

The winners of each age division in Williamsport will advance to Akron, Ohio, to compete in the All-American Race.

For more information, check out www. williamsportsbd. org or call 570-326-3745 ex. 1201.