The Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT!
It is time to thank one of our incredible sponsors. Dillard Tow and Transport was the very first company I contacted back in 2018 as we were gearing up for our inaugural 2019 race. At that time, they were a brand new company that I had the pleasure of working with. When I reached out about this crazy idea I had, they immediately said "yes" and jumped on board. Dillard Towing is family owned and operated lead by husband and wife team, Kevin Dillard and Mariah. Whether you need a short or long haul or just a quick tow, they are here to help. Give them a call 24 hours a day at 706-502-3834. While you are at it, tell them thanks for making this possible year after year.

Date: SET
Registration: OPEN
Sponsorships: AVAILABLE
Car Kits: READY
Missing: YOU

We want YOU to come join us for the 8th Annual The Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby on May 2nd. Enjoy a day of fun and help support the great work done by The Children's Fund and Fannin County Family Connection. Registration and Sponsorship forms are available at https://fcfc1.org/2026-soap-box-derby. We'll see you there!

Get ready!

𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞! 🏁
We are excited to announce our annual Soap Box Derby is happening on May 2nd at the Fannin County Middle School!

If you are interested in volunteering or sponsoring this event, please reach out to us at: 📧[email protected] or DM us for inquiries! 💬

The 2025 Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby is in the books! The weather threatened throughout the day with a few raindrops and overcast skies, but it did not deter the race from continuing on. The lineup included 65 drivers in three categories, making it the largest race yet. Parents, staff and volunteers cheered as car after car crossed the finish line and advanced closer to the finals. Line judges, District Attorney Frank Wood and Superior Court Clerk Dana Chastain called the winners as the drivers crossed the checkered line.
On the sidelines; Police, Fire, EMS and State Patrol vehicles lined the parking lot as part of the Touch-a-Truck program. Children were able to explore the vehicles and talk with the brave men and women that operated them. The overcast skies kept the LifeFlight helicopter from attending, but it didn't dampen the excitement of the day.
Food, beverages and desserts were all provided free of charge this year. Fannin County Family Connection Executive Director Jacqueline McKee said "We want the families to have the best day possible, we were blessed by our wonderful sponsors with these donations and we want to pay it forward". Other activities included co****le, a spin-art booth as well as booths offering resources and information to families.
WPPL personality "Big Al" hosted the race while "Buddy" Bailey did a live broadcast during the opening hours. Music, laughter and cheers filled the day.
After a full day of racing the winners finally emerged. In the 7-12 age group, Brantley Barton took home first place followed by Sawyer Graham in second, Justin Burrell and Wilder Petrillo tied for third place, and Kayleene Chastain and Ashlyn Dempsey rounding out 4th and 5th place. In the 13 and up category, Jacob Bradburn took home the title with A***n Pack, Peyton Horn and Jubilee Rittweger winning second through forth respectfully. In the "Outlaw" class, the winner take all was returning champion Seth Owenby with another win under his belt.
The Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby and Fannin County Family Connection want to give a huge thank you to everyone that participated in this years event. "We want all of our parents, staff, volunteers and sponsors to know how much we appreciate them" says McKee, "This wouldn't be possible without them".

Thank you Mrs. Arp for getting your students ready to race. The BRES "Bear Car" one of our very first champion cars is still going strong!

Thank you Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and Kim Foster for joining us today and for your continued support!

What an amazing day for a soap box derby! Great job to everyone who made this event happen. It really brings together this awesome small community we all call home!

Sponsor Spotlight. Last and certainly not least is Dairy Queen Grill & Chill. DQ has been with us since day one and we can't thank them enough for their continued support. Next time you grab a Blizzard, Ice Cream Birthday cake, or Flamethrower burger, let them know how much you appreciate what they do for our community. We couldn't do it without them and are grateful for their continuing participation!

Race day is just around the corner! This Saturday, the 26th The Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby will be returning to the Fannin County Middle School. We are very excited to have not one, but TWO Dj's from WPPL! WPPL and my friend Buddy Bailey will be there doing a live broadcast from 10am-noon. While that is happening, Dj Big AL will be calling the race throughout the day. They will have the "Wolf Wagon" on display and will also unveil their own "Lil' Wolfie" derby car. A big Thank You goes out to my friends Buddy and Big AL from WPPL for joining us this year!

Time to give Thanks to another sponsor. The News Observer has been supporting us from the very beginning. They not only inform you on what The Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby has been up to, they also report on the activities of our community. The News Observer can be found in print weekly or you can subscribe online and get it digitally. Thanks Glenn for the support!

Its sponsor time again! We have to give a huge Thank You to Melissa Bowers at Graphic Expressions for making us all look great. Graphic Expressions has been with us from the very beginning. Each year they supply us with our awesome race shirts and other swag. They can handle big or small orders and they print shirts right there on the spot. They can also help you out with hats, bottles, mugs, pens, keychains, or just about anything you can put your brand on. They are located right on 515 at 1901 Appalachian Hwy Suite 104, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 or at (706) 946-4605. Thank you Melissa for keep us looking great year after year.