Soap Box Derby returns

La Cañada’s famed “Michigan Hill,” the long, sloping easternmost section of Foothill Boulevard, will again be the venue when the annual Greater Los Angeles Soap Box Derby returns to town on Saturday, May 30.

Hours for the event are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This is the only day of the year where unlicensed drivers can speed down Michigan Hill, exceeding the speed limit with no worries about law enforcement stopping them.

The race is a “licensed local” race sanctioned by the All American Soap Box Derby of Akron, Ohio.

The race is open to children 8-17 competing in the Stock and Super Stock Divisions with the winner of each division representing Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern and San Luis Obispo counties in the 72nd Annual All American Soap Box Derby National Championships in July in Akron.

This annual event, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada (noon) and the California Families Soap Box Derby Association, had become a featured event in Fiesta Day activities.

However, this year it will be run on May 30, at the same location. In addition to the excitement of young kids, racing at high speeds down Michigan Hill, there will be adult “Celebrity and Challenge Races.”

Any youngster that has not signed up for this race and would like to participate is asked to call Mary Gant at (818) 248-7664.

Additional information is available on the Kiwanis website: lacanadakiwanis.org/derby/index.htm.

Or, contact Derby director Joel Smith at (818) 790-6418.