Founded to provide mentorship and encourage community participation in local youngsters, the St. Catharines chapter of the All-American Soap Box Derby organization was a staple of growing up in St. Catharines.

The first derby was held in 1947 on Louth Street. Then from 1948-1955 the derby was held at the Niagara District Airport. In 1956 the races were moved to Geneva Street South (now Downing Street). The last race was held in 1972.

Race Map

This map shows the location of the derby racecourse. The course had to be abandoned when Geneva Street South was repointed during construction of HWY 406, which cut through the old canal valley.

Explore photographs, other derby cars, and other items in the collection from the Soap Box Derby on eMuseum.

Watch this video from the 1947 Soap Box Derby, STCM1982.43.1: