We are planning a second Information Day on Saturday July 18th at the Sonora Opera Hall, and are pleased to welcome experts from the NorCal Soap Box Derby organization. They will be available to answer questions about the race, what participants can expect on race day, race car kits, building requirements, safety guidelines, and more.

We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn as much as possible and connect with experienced Soap Box Derby volunteers and race officials.

If you have questions you would like addressed during the July session, especially those that may require additional research or preparation, please send them to me in advance. This will help ensure we provide the most accurate and helpful information during the event.

“The Soap Box Derby is about much more than racing,” said Katie Dunn, Sonora Race Director. “It teaches sportsmanship, STEM skills, craftsmanship, perseverance, and community involvement. Our first Information Day is a great opportunity for families to discover what the program is all about and how their children can get involved.”

The Sonora Soap Box Derby is open to youth ages 7–18 and provides participants the opportunity to build, race, and compete for a chance to advance to the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship in Akron, Ohio.

The 1st place winner in each division will automatically be eligible to participate in the World Championship races in Akron, Ohio. NorCal Soap Box Derby club will pay for the transportation of the cars to Ohio, but the families (or sponsors) will need to make travel arrangements for the racers. This is a week long event involving several activities and races.

For more information about the Sonora Soap Box Derby, contact the Sonora Chamber of Commerce at (209) 694-4008 or info@sonorachamber.org.

Families, future racers, and community members are invited to learn more about the exciting return of the Sonora All-American Soap Box Derby during a special Information Day on Saturday, June 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., held in conjunction with Downtown Sonora’s popular Second Saturday Art Night.

This free community event offers hands-on activities and an opportunity to experience the thrill of Soap Box Derby racing firsthand.

The Sonora Chamber and the City of Sonora will be on-site with both a Stock and Super Stock Soap Box Derby cars on display. Attendees will have the chance to get an up-close look at the official race cars, sit inside them, ask questions, and learn how local youth can participate in this nationally recognized racing program.

Adding to the fun, local Cub Scout Pack 513 will bring their Pinewood Derby race track for demonstrations and friendly competition. Pack 513 is proudly chartered by Twain Harte Rotary and offers an amazing program for youth ages 5-11. They provide opportunities for youth to build confidence, develop leadership skills, explore the outdoors, serve their community and make lasting friendships. Young visitors can also decorate their own Pinewood Derby car, courtesy of, and take part in a creative activity that combines art, engineering, and imagination.

“The Soap Box Derby is about much more than racing,” said Katie Dunn, Sonora Race Director. “It teaches sportsmanship, STEM skills, craftsmanship, perseverance, and community involvement. Our first Information Day is a great opportunity for families to discover what the program is all about and how their children can get involved.”

The Sonora All-American Soap Box Derby is open to youth ages 7–18 and provides participants the opportunity to build, race, and compete for a chance to advance to the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship in Akron, Ohio. The winner of Sonora’s Local Race will automatically advance to the World Championship in Akron, Ohio in July of 2027!

Community members are encouraged to stop by during Second Saturday Art Night to meet organizers, explore the race cars, participate in activities, and learn how to become part of Sonora’s growing Soap Box Derby tradition.

For more information about the Sonora All-American Soap Box Derby, contact the Sonora Chamber of Commerce at (209) 694-4008 or info@sonorachamber.org.

Celebrate with artists, musical acts, and delicious food and drink specials up and down Washington Street inside stores, bars, and eateries.

Look for the banners up and down Washington Street and stop in to meet our merchants that have so graciously opened their doors for 2nd Saturday Art Night.

 

Celebrate with artists, musical acts, and delicious food and drink specials up and down Washington Street inside stores, bars, and eateries.

Look for the banners up and down Washington Street and stop in to meet our merchants that have so graciously opened their doors for 2nd Saturday Art Night.

 

Celebrate with artists, musical acts, and delicious food and drink specials up and down Washington Street inside stores, bars, and eateries.

Look for the banners up and down Washington Street and stop in to meet our merchants that have so graciously opened their doors for 2nd Saturday Art Night.

 

Celebrate with artists, musical acts, and delicious food and drink specials up and down Washington Street inside stores, bars, and eateries.

Look for the banners up and down Washington Street and stop in to meet our merchants that have so graciously opened their doors for 2nd Saturday Art Night.

 

Celebrate with artists, musical acts, and delicious food and drink specials up and down Washington Street inside stores, bars, and eateries.

Look for the banners up and down Washington Street and stop in to meet our merchants that have so graciously opened their doors for 2nd Saturday Art Night.

 

Celebrate with artists, musical acts, and delicious food and drink specials up and down Washington Street inside stores, bars, and eateries.

Look for the banners up and down Washington Street and stop in to meet our merchants that have so graciously opened their doors for 2nd Saturday Art Night.

 

Celebrate with artists, musical acts, and delicious food and drink specials up and down Washington Street inside stores, bars, and eateries.

Look for the banners up and down Washington Street and stop in to meet our merchants that have so graciously opened their doors for 2nd Saturday Art Night.

 

You’re Invited to the Holiday Community Mixer!

Join us for a festive evening of holiday cheer at the Sonora Opera Hall!  FREE to attend!