The Marble Falls Soapbox Classic, an adult soapbox derby that happens every year on Father’s Day weekend, won Best Outdoor Activity in the Marble Falls area in The Picayune’s Locals Love Us contest. Courtesy photo
MARBLE FALLS — Whether it’s a quirky wooden car made with care by a father-and-son team or a local merchant’s speedster equipped with an elaborate fiberglass shell, the Marble Falls Soapbox Classic has thrilled crowds with its entertaining pace and nostalgic style.
For the adult soapbox derby’s success, it was voted Best Outdoor Activity in the Marble Falls area by voters in The Picayune’s Locals Love Us contest.
“Each year, our team is so honored when the new year rings in and our phone starts ringing because that means it’s derby time,” event organizer Shannon Heep said. “We’re so excited everyone is still into it.”
The Derby, as the event is affectionately called, involves a series of races during the three-day Father’s Day weekend.
Participants build their own non-motorized vehicles, sign up for various divisions, and race down the Third Street hill just off Main Street in historic downtown to compete for awards.
The event attracts thousands to the community to watch, shop, and enjoy food and entertainment.
“One of our goals is to get people downtown, a little downtown revitalization,” Heep said. “Not only are we highlighting the downtown, but we are highlighting our citizens and local businesses which participate and sponsor the event.”
In the past seven years, the event has evolved to include more features such as additional racing opportunities and a derby hat contest.
“Last year, the derby went through the biggest changes we’ve ever had. We wanted to increase racing for participants,” Heep said. “Participants were able to race three to four times more than they had in the past. We were a little nervous, but it was a huge success.
“We’re going to continue that one,” she added. “For those that have raced with us in the past, we invite them to come back for even more racing than before.”
The eighth annual Marble Falls Soapbox Classic is June 16-18. Visit adultsoapboxderby.com for more information.
connie@thepicayune.com
