AKRON, Ohio — The COVID-19 pandemic has taken it’s toll on community events all over the Northeast Ohio and the Akron area. Now, all events previously scheduled to take part a Derby Downs in Akron have been canceled for the rest of the 2020 season.
In a release, the International Soap Box Derby cites the pandemic as the reason for canceling the events. They say the cancellation is out of an "abundance of caution" for the health and safety of everyone involved.
The events that are canceled are:
- Inclusion Day
- Senior Day
- Veterans Appreciation Day
- Corporate Derby Challenge
- Community Day
- Gravity Racing Challenge STEM Team Competition
"We are disappointed that we have canceled the rest of the racing season, but it seems to be the prudent decision," said Mark Gerberich, ISBD president and CEO, said in a statement. "The Corporate Derby Challenge is our largest fundraiser and we had moved it to September to try and accommodate. But the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, financial supporters and community remain our top priority."
The 83rd FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby was scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at Derby Downs. That, too, was cancelled due to the Coronavirus.
