June 22, 2025

Kiwanis Club Celebrates 27th Annual Soap Box Derby

News Summary

The Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green is celebrating the 27th anniversary of its Annual Soap Box Derby, a cherished event that allows children to build and race their own cars. The derby promotes inclusivity by accommodating children of varying abilities, including a special ‘Super Kids Race.’ The club also allocates proceeds to support local children’s charities, further solidifying its community commitment. Exciting build clinics are scheduled, leading up to the main race event that fosters family involvement and lasting memories.

Bowling Green, KY – The Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green is marking the 27th anniversary of its Annual Soap Box Derby, a longstanding tradition that encourages young racers in the community to build and race their own cars while promoting inclusivity and lifelong memories. The event, which has been held continuously since its inception, draws upon a legacy that began when a group of Kiwanians visited the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, 27 years ago and decided to start a local version.

The annual derby serves as an exciting opportunity for local children to engage with their peers, develop skills in car building, and experience the thrill of racing. Kiwanis Volunteer Jennifer Bailey emphasized that the derby provides children with both competition and enjoyment, aiming to attract even more participants for the upcoming race.

Community involvement is a central theme of the Soap Box Derby, with parents, friends, and family members attending to support the young racers. The Kiwanis Club is proud to uphold its core value of inclusivity by accommodating children of various abilities, including hosting a special “Super Kids Race.” Recent adaptations to the derby cars ensure that all children, regardless of their needs, have a chance to participate. A notable example is 8-year-old Gabi Bilbrey, whose car was modified to allow her to race independently for the first time. This customization included a hand-operated brake system, showing the club’s commitment to removing barriers to participation and ensuring that every child can enjoy the experience of racing.

The Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green also contributes to the local community through the proceeds generated by the derby, which are allocated to support various children’s charities at both local and national levels. Over the years, the club has donated more than $100,000 to charities focused on helping children, solidifying its role as a charitable organization dedicated to community welfare.

Looking ahead, the Kiwanis Club has planned several events leading up to this year’s derby. The first Build Clinic is scheduled for March 19, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Phil Moore Park. This clinic provides a hands-on opportunity for participants to learn more about building their racing cars and obtaining important guidance from experienced volunteers. The highly anticipated 25th Anniversary Race is set to take place on May 19 and 20, promising two days of excitement and community spirit.

Parental involvement is encouraged, with many past participants fondly recalling their experiences of building cars alongside family members. This not only strengthens family bonds but also allows for lasting memories that children carry with them as they grow.

Interested parents who wish to learn more about participating in the Soap Box Derby can find additional information available on the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green’s official website. By promoting community engagement, inclusivity, and fun, the Kiwanis Club continues to foster a spirit of camaraderie and competition that has made the Soap Box Derby a cherished event in Bowling Green.

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Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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