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Akron Hosts 82nd Annual All-American Soap Box Derby

This year's Soap Box Derby has competitors from as far as Japan.
WKSU
This year's Soap Box Derby has competitors from as far as Japan.

Akron is hosting its 82nd annual All-American Soap Box Derby Saturday, where more than 400 competitors will race for college scholarships.

The event at Derby Downs begins with the first heat at 9 am.

President and CEO of the Soap Box Derby, Mark Gerberich, said it’s great to have another world championship event.

“We’re glad to be part of the July sports here in Northeast Ohio," he said. "It’s a really cool month with the [Major League Baseball] All-Star game, the [Bridgestone Senior Players Championship] golf tournament last week, us, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Great opportunity for us to be involved with that.”

Parking at Derby Downs will be free and entry is $5 per person.

The Derby plans to award $36,000 in college scholarships.

Copyright 2021 WKSU. To see more, visit WKSU.

Nathan joined WKSU as an intern in May 2019. Nathan is a broadcast journalism student at Kent State. He’s previously been a correspondent for TV2 as well as a crew member of Teleproductions. His interests include entertainment and culture.