$5,000 raised by Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby

  • These racers may have been all smiles, but they were all business in the Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby’s annual Spring Race at Fannin County Middle School.
    These racers may have been all smiles, but they were all business in the Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby’s annual Spring Race at Fannin County Middle School.
  • Skylar Gazaway piloted the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office car in the Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby. On the front is her dad’s, Richard Gazaway’s, badge number, 327.
    Skylar Gazaway piloted the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office car in the Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby. On the front is her dad’s, Richard Gazaway’s, badge number, 327.
  • When the Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby ran short of racers, Blue Ridge Mayor Rhonda Haight, in the Dana Chastain car, filled in to race against the Feed Fannin car she sponsored for the race.
    When the Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby ran short of racers, Blue Ridge Mayor Rhonda Haight, in the Dana Chastain car, filled in to race against the Feed Fannin car she sponsored for the race.

    The cars are back in their garages and the smoke has cleared from the Blue  Ridge Soap Box Derby annual Spring Race held April 30.

    The event at Fannin County Middle School attracted 400 people, which was 100 more than the September 2021 race, 46 drivers and 34 different cars, event co-organizer Mike Sullivan said this week.

    Among the racers was Skylar Gazaway who piloted the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office car with her dad’s badge number.

    The participation raised approximately $5,000 to be distributed between all five Fannin County schools, the Fannin County Public Library for STEM education projects and activities.

    Best in Show car honors went to Wildside in first place, Yellow Roadster in second and coming in third was the West Fannin Yelloejacket.

    Organizers are already planning the Fall Classic Derby Race and the date will be posted on www.theblueridgesoapboxderby.org, their Facebook page, and in The News Observer.

    “We would like to thank our sponsors, staff, volunteers, drivers, and all of Fannin County for their support,” Sullivan said.