PKB councilman proposes return of soapbox derby
Photos courtesy of Mackey’s Antique Clock Repair A soapbox derby competitor prepares to race down Parkersburg’s Fifth Street in 1972.
Photo courtesy of Mackey’s Antique Clock Repair Kids and adults prepare for the start of a soapbox derby race in downtown Parkersburg in 1972.
Photos courtesy of Mackey’s Antique Clock Repair A soapbox derby competitor prepares to race down Parkersburg’s Fifth Street in 1972.
Photo courtesy of Mackey’s Antique Clock Repair Kids and adults prepare for the start of a soapbox derby race in downtown Parkersburg in 1972.
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PARKERSBURG -- City Councilman Bob Mercer is racing to bring back the soapbox derby back to Parkersburg next year.
The second-term councilman has recently set out to look for possible sponsors and those interested in resuming the race in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
"It was really popular in the late '60s, early '70s," Mercer said. "With parents always working and kids focused on their electronics, I think this would really be beneficial to them as well as a great event for our city."
In preparation to bring the derby back, Mercer has talked to local car lots including one who used to be a sponsor of the race in the very beginning. He's also been in touch with representatives of the Akron Area Soapbox Derby, part of the All-American Soapbox Derby, a youth gravity racing organization.
"I've talked to those in Akron, and I've already got the paperwork on my desk," Mercer said. "I've also talked with several other individuals who might be interested in either sponsoring the soapbox derby or are just interested in bringing it back."
Mercer's podcast, The BobCast MOV, will be one of the main sponsors of the Soapbox Derby.
"We're still trying to get a feel for who might be interested, and I want the deadline to be February of next year," said Mercer.
Although the plans for a new soapbox derby are still in the works, Mercer is optimistic about its prospects.
"Our goal is to bring the community and families back together," he said. "To be able to work with your kids and build a car together, and then go out there and root for your favorite racer to send them to nationals in Akron."
Those interested in either sponsoring or helping out with the derby can contact Mercer via email at bobmercer80@yahoo.com or by phone at 304-588-8074.
Gretchen Dowler can be reached at gdowler@newsandsentinel.com.