Soapbox Derby Unites Community

By Makaylee Randolph Staff Writer mrandolphadvance@gmail.com

The 2024 Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby had a little bit of everything – a heartwarming Super Kidz race, a rocking block party, a comedic Run What You Brung, and of course, the competitive Derby racing. According to Soap Box Derby Director Johnathan Gordy, this medley of events is just the beginning of an initiative to increase community involvement with the Derby.

“The last two years the events have been a good draw to get families’ eyes on the Derby and to promote it,” Gordy shared. “Folks in this community do an outstanding job supporting events like ours. They come out to see for themselves what the derby is all about and end up having a good time and see that it’s all about fair, honest competition. I feel like that with all the events we hold on race weekend that there isn’t anyone that feels left out. We get a ton of compliments on how the events are run and how everyone feels included.”

The Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby is a Lyons tradition, as racers from across the state come together in Lyons each year for a chance to qualify for the national Derby. The iconic event has become a staple of tourism for both Toombs County and the state, as a bill passed during the most recent state legislative session to name the Derby as Georgia’s official derby.

Yet, the event is about more than racing – it’s about uniting the community. In recent years, the Derby has accomplished that, as events have been added to ensure continued from page

that everyone has something to participate in.

The Super Kidz Race has become a favorite event for those involved in the Derby, as kids with special needs from across the surrounding area are given the chance to ride in a two-seater “hero car” down the hill with an experienced driver. Gordy emphasized the beauty of the event, as he shared that the reactions of each Super Kidz run made the race worthwhile.

“The super Kidz race was amazing!” he reflected about this year’s race. “To watch those kids have such a great time and to watch the parents’ faces when their child was racing makes it all worth it.”

This unique and heartwarming racing experience is only the beginning of the Derby weekend’s fun line-up, as the event is held throughout the morning on Friday during the Derby. This year, the excitement continued Friday night, as the public was invited to a Block Party, featuring music and food, followed by the Run What You Brung event, which brought laughs to all attendees.

“In the future we plan to add a little more to our block party,” Gordy shared. “Possibly a live band next year and do a little more for the drivers. We would love to keep growing it.”

The traditional races on Saturday were delayed by rain, but still found success, as Gordy referred to them as having run “flawlessly.” “Saturday started out with a 3 1/2 hour rain delay but parents and drivers hung in there with us,” he remarked.

Overall, Gordy said that the event truly brought the community together, making him excited for the future of the Derby. “I want to say thank you to all of our sponsors this year. Without those folks we wouldn’t be able to do the events that we do every year,” he added.

He encouraged anyone with children interested in racing to contact him by calling (912) 293-5763. The annual race will not occur again until May 2025, but several Rally Races are scheduled to give drivers practice in operating their cars and racing the hill.

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER – The annual Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby is known for bringing the community together, and has added events throughout the years to ensure that there is something for everyone.Photo by Evan Riekhof