The All-American Soap Box Derby in Financial Trouble

Is the Soap Box Derby all washed up? That's the question posed by Stuart Warner of AOL News, who published an article outlining the financial woes of International Soap Box Derby, Inc. This nonprofit organization runs the All-American Soap Box Derby, which is hosting the 72^nd Annual Running on July 25 in Akron, Ohio.

Economic Woes Loosen the Wheels of the Soap Box Derby

In his article, Warner quoted Jim Huntsman, CEO of All-American, who said the Derby lost $400,000 last year and could lose as much as $200,000 in 2009. Lack of sponsorship and smaller charitable donations also put the brakes on this long-standing institution, which awards scholarship monies to the winners. Prizes will still be awarded this year, but they will be noticeably less than previous years.

Ironically, the race could meet its demise in an economy that is getting as bad as the Great Depression that first spawned it. The All-American Derby was born at a time when money was tight, but ingenuity was greater. Kids made the first racers out of crates and skates and this amateur event attracted thousands of fans.

The Soap Box Derby hasn't lost its appeal, but the lack of corporate sponsorship could mean the race has run its course.

The Soap Box Derby: Part of the Vanishing America Landscape

Back in the 1980's, former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Rich Hall did a series for Showtime called "Vanishing America." The comedian looked at some traditions and fond childhood memories that had vanished or were in danger of vanishing. If the economic woes continue, the All-American Soap Box Derby could join these other extinct parts of the culture:

• Neighborhood movie theaters. Before the multiplex redefined cinema, neighborhoods across the country had their own movie theater, typically within walking distance. Increased competition from the big movie chains and the popularity of video cassette recorders forced many small theaters to close or convert to "$1 Theaters."

• Drive-Ins. Called "Ozoners" by their devoted followers, the Drive-In was once a major part of the American landscape. It was an inexpensive form of entertainment for the family and the place that many couples went on a date. Increasing land value and low revenues forced many owners to sell their theaters, many of which were converted into strip malls. Drive-Ins still exist, but they are fighting for life.

• Soda fountains. Drug stores used to have their own soda fountains, which would make malteds, sundaes and sandwiches for customers. As independent drug stores felt the squeeze from national pharmacy chains, the soda fountain, a part of American culture, disappeared.

Resources:

AOL News, "Soap Box Derby Faces Rough Road," Stuart Warner

http://www.aasbd.org/SBD_about_1.htm

http://www.ozoners.net/