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Soap Box Derby Day came to Bethpage in July, 1961.  The Soap Box Derby is a national racing program for youths since 1934.  The World Championship finals are held each July at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio.  Originally, the Derby was just for boys, now in 1971 girls were allowed to compete.

The first "Big Derby Day" took place on July 16, 1961 with an estimated over a thousand spectators watching as the cars competed, and a parade to watch with Georgette Yacur, the Soap Box Derby Queen.  The Second Annual Derby Day took place on Sunday, July 8, 1962 on Bethpage Road on a 800 foot track. The Derby continued till 1965.  (Information from Gary Hammond)