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Old-fashioned fun at the Soapbox Derby on Saturday
Published: 9/23/2011 9:00 AM
Last Modified: 9/21/2011 8:52 PM

Just the name conjures up images of an old-fashioned good time. And that's what the Soapbox Derby is.

Little boys and girls proudly walk beside their daddies with the little soapbox cars they've spent weeks, sometimes months, piecing together in their backyards and garages.

Cathy Burdge with the Sand Springs Civitans said one father told her he and his son were spending every evening in the garage putting his car together. Once his son goes to bed, the dad would stay up as late as 3 a.m. to tinker with it.

"And I love it," he told her.

That's the idea behind the derby. It's a family event, and many of those participating say preparations for the race create a lasting bond.

Since it began four years ago, the Soapbox Derby in Sand Springs has taken off. The race was in downtown Sand Springs, but this year it has moved to Adams Road, in front of Charles Page High School. Burdge said it will give the racers a half block more to cruise and show their stuff.

Part of the fun of the derby is the crowd. People line either side of the street, cheering on the kids and their colorful, homemade soapbox cars.

We took our family last year, and had a great time eating snow cones, cotton candy and hotdogs while we watched the races.

In addition to the concessions, the Downhill BBQ contest takes place during the races. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can pay $5 for a tasting kit to sample ribs, brisket and more from the contestants. The barbecue competition is inside Charles Page High School.

Great Sand Springs Downhill Soapbox Derby
When: Saturday, first race begins at 9 a.m.
Where: 10th Street and Adams Road, in front of Charles Page High School
Cost: Free to watch the races.
Tips: The best seats in the house will be on the south end of the school parking lot. Grab a seat on the bleachers or bring a lawn chair or blanket.


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Tulsa To Do

Nour Habib joined the Tulsa World in 2011 as a general assignment reporter for the Scene section. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in journalism and political science. Before joining the World, she covered education for a community newspaper.

She looks forward to keeping up with all there is to do in Tulsa and sharing it with you. Because, after all, the more she finds, the more she gets to do, too.

Send any fun or interesting events her way at nour.habib@tulsaworld.com.

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