July 8, 2008

Upper Cumberland, Tennessee

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Cookeville Police Supports Soapbox Derby

Story Published: May 13, 2008 at 12:10 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 13, 2008 at 5:13 PM CDT

By Ward Norris

Watch the video

The "Soap Box Derby" was so christened back in 1933, when a Dayton (Ohio) Daily News Photographer encountered three boys racing home-made, engine-less cars down an inclined brick street.

This appealed to American kids (young and old) everywhere and the idea took off almost immediately.

Now, with in excess of 15,000 people in attendance at the Ohio finals with 358 champion finalists coming from 121 locals from throughout the United States and from overseas, the derby is still popular.

Lt. Mike Lee of the Cookeville Police Department takes great pride in coordinating this annual event in Cookeville and sends delegates to the Ohio finals. The Cookeville Club has been recipients of numerous awards.