Derby Days racing part of festival weekend in Morristown

The Soap Box Derby cars are ready to roll.

Morristown’s Derby Days celebration begins tonight with adult races on the North St. hill.

Youth scouts ascend the U.S. 52 hill Saturday at approximately noon to determine the next two champions in the 78^th running of the annual event.

Friday’s lineup:

• Food tent and bake sale begins at 4 p.m.
• Vendors and food booths open at 5 p.m.
• Beer garden open from 5 to 10 p.m.
• Adult Soap Box Derby Race starts at 6 p.m.
• EZY Livin Band performs following the conclusion of the race

The site for many Derby Days activities Saturday is the Morristown Community Park.

The downtown parade along U.S. 52 starts at 11 a.m. followed by local Scouts competing in the Soap Box Derby Race. There are 11 girls and eight boys racing for the championship.

Food, music and kids activities will run throughout the day at the park. The event will close out Saturday night with a fireworks show at the park.

“It’s a little bit different than last year when (events) were up by the school,” said Patrick Deak, President of Morristown Matters. “There are 40 vendors, food trucks, bounce house, laser tag, facepainting and a flag football tournament.”

Giant FM will broadcast live from North St. tonight and will be on site Saturday for the parade and racing along U.S. 52.

There will be live music and a foam party at the park ahead of the fireworks.

“We don’t charge anybody to do any of these activities,” said Deak. “Because of the support of the businesses, we don’t charge for activities.”

There will be shuttle service available from downtown to the park and back. The event is an annual tradition for many families and friends.

“I’ve been coming since I was in third grade,” said Brittany Green, Vice President of Morristown Matters. “It’s a big family reunion focused around the community and the kids. It’s a special time to catch up with family and friends.”

For more information and schedule of events, go to www.morristownderbydays.com.

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