ANDERSON — After a one-year hiatus, the Anderson Soap Box Derby will return this weekend at Derby Downs.Terry Taylor revived the Soap Box Derby in 2018 after no competition took place for several years.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSherrie Boards, a member of the Anderson Soap Box Derby Committee, said last week that there were 20 entrants for the derby that will take place Saturday at 9 a.m.Boards said the Anderson Soap Box Derby Committee is committed to honoring Taylor by keeping his community service vision alive.Anderson hosted a derby every year until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Taylor revived the annual event in 2023 and 2024. He passed away in 2025.The derby will consist of racing, a car show, a Dan’s Fish Fry, vendors, and bounce houses.Recently at the Annual Black Expo Luncheon, Aubre Walker was awarded the Anderson Soap Box Derby scholarship.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEver since the Soap Box Derby started in 1934, Anderson has sent champions to the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship in Akron, Ohio. Over the years, the city has seen six young people return as national champions.Anderson’s first national champion was Maurice Bale Jr. in 1935, the second year of the competition.Since then, Terry and Barney Townsend won national titles in 1957 and 1959.The city had two champions crowned in Akron in 2000 when Derek Etherington won the Super Stock title and Cody Butler captured the Masters title.Cameron Vannatta won the stock title in 2002. Read More Feedzy