Port Jervis Soap Box Derby rolls again

June 12, 2022 – The Port Jervis Soap Box Derby is back after a two-year hiatus. This year’s derby will be held on Sunday, June 12, on Sussex Street in Port Jervis. Racing begins at 8:30am, with opening ceremonies at noon, followed by racing throughout the day and closing celebrations at about 4:30 p.m.

After it ceased in 1957, this gravity-driven racing event was resurrected in Port Jervis in 1999 and since then, thousands of children have raced in the local derby. Remarkably, the event has grown to become one of the largest local derbies in the world.

Children as young as 8 years old compete to become one of Port’s champions who then go on to Akron, Ohio to compete in the International Soap Box Derby Race. This year, area youth will once again compete in various divisions – Stock, Super Stock and Masters as well as the Super Kids division, which is uniquely designed for children with special needs. A champ in each of the four divisions will win a trip to represent Port Jervis in the International Race in July.

In addition to racing, several food, activity, and craft vendors will have stands along race hill while spectators look on and cheer for their favorite drivers.

The 2022 Port Jervis Soap Box Derby is presented by Cornerstone Family Healthcare and generously sponsored by many other sponsors including The Mohican Inn, ShopRite, M&T Bank, Bon Secours Community Hospital, the Outdoor Club of Port Jervis and Technically Creative. The derby is grateful to the City of Port Jervis for their continued support.