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Soapbox race registration takes place Saturday

Registration and inspection day takes place June 6 with final registrations accepted at the Mission Leisure Centre between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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The annual soapbox derby is set for June 20 in Mission. Registration and inspection takes place June 6 at the Mission Leisure Centre.

The Mission & District Soapbox Derby Association is busy getting into gear for race day June 20 at Stave Lake Road.

Registration and inspection day will take place Saturday, June 6 with final registrations accepted at the Mission Leisure Centre between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Anyone wishing to be a part of the annual soapbox derby is encouraged to volunteer.

About the race:

Race day check-in runs from 7:30 to 8 a.m. with the races starting at 9 .a.m.

Sign-in is open to participants aged eight to 14 years with a $30 entry fee.

The day also includes hot dog eating contests and games for kids.

Organizers are still looking for volunteers and sponsors to help with the event.

Vendors are also welcome to register on June 6.

Visit missionsoapbox.com for news and updates.

Race history:

Mission’s first derby was held in 1946 (a “wildcat” race as part of the Strawberry Festival). It was a huge success. The following year, Mission’s Soapbox Derby became a franchise of the American Soapbox Association.

Becoming affiliated with the association meant that the winner in Mission went to Akron, Ohio to race in the All-American Soapbox Derby Championship finals.

In 1949, the increasing popularity of the derby caused it to remain on Main Street, while the festivities of the Str4awberry Festival were moved to the Fairgrounds (at 7th and Grand, now the site of the Leisure Centre).

In 1961 Mission bore a winner in the Western Canadian Soapbox Derby who went on to Akron to race against North America’s best racers. This racer’s name was Raymond Mack and he received a signed letter from President J.F. Kennedy congratulating him on his participation in the Akron Soapbox Derby.

The Mission & District Soapbox Derby Association was incorporated in October of 2000 as a non-profit association for the historical Mission Soapbox Derby. Our executive and members live and work in Mission and the surrounding communities. We rely on local businesses for a variety of sponsorship support, with the District of Mission as one of our main sponsors.

Over 150 volunteers are needed to help organize and participate in this event. This is a community event and without the support of community groups, businesses and private citizens, this event would not be possible. If you would like to get involved in one of Mission’s oldest events, please contact us! volunteering@missionsoapbox.com