1st Derby In 50+ Years Coming To Bel Air In October, Learn How You Can Participate

BEL AIR, MD — The first Lions Club Derby since the 1960s returns to Bel Air Oct. 22.

Eddie Hopkins, Bel Air administration, said leaders wanted a new family and community event, so they turned to the races Bel Air used to have back in the 1960s. The town hopes to make the races part of Bel Air's 150th anniversary celebration in 2024, too.

Ten businesses and individuals have entered cars for the race, including Deer Creek Exteriors, Vagabond Sandwich Company, Harco Credit Union, Tim Smith, Harford Retirement Planners, Compass Home Group, Window World, Crabby Axe, Bel Air Autobody and the Bel Air Lions. Deer Creek Exteriors serves as the title sponsor for the event.

While the event is not a sanctioned race by the Soap Box Derby, Inc, the event will be using official Soap Box Derby cars and following Soap Box Derby rules for the most part, organizers noted. A team from the regional Soap Box Derby office will assist with the race.

The races will be double elimination. The race course will go from Office Street to the Armory. There will be monitors along Main Street to make sure spectators stay off the race course. The cars will be staged and readied for the races in the town parking lot next to the sheriff’s office. The Lions Club will be helping with the free event, too.

“The Lions love rolling up our sleeves for the community and we enjoy a challenge. We are learning a lot and having a blast working with the town and all of the participants to make this a great community event," said Bel Air Lions president Mike New.

For more information about the race or to get involved, contact 410-879-2914 or visit www.belairlions.org.