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PARKERSBURG -- An organization working to bring back Parkersburg's Soap Box Derby is seeking board members, volunteers and financial support.
Parkersburg Soapbox Derby Inc. was established as a volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation in February as part of an effort to resume the race last held in 1980. The activity also returned during the Parkersburg Homecoming for a few years.
Its president is Parkersburg City Councilman Bob Mercer, who said the goal is to bring families and the community together.
An initial investment of just over $20,500 is needed to purchase the equipment to host a race, according to a release from the organization, with a total of $30,000 required before the first race can be held.
A campaign to raise the first $10,000 is underway at the group's website, www.ParkersburgSoapBoxDerby.org.
Registration is open to boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 19 for the 2024-25 season, which runs from Aug. 1 to July 31. Multiple races are planned, with the local grand champion qualifying to participate in the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship in Akron in July 2025.
A release from the organization says board members and other volunteers are needed for positions listed on the website.
"No experience is necessary, but if you have previous experience with a nonprofit organization or with other youth-development activities -- especially if you have ever been involved with Soap Box Derby -- they really want to talk to you," the release said.
More information is available on the website or by contacting Mercer at 681-588-0136 or 304-588-8074.