The 13th annual Magnolia Soap Box Derby is coming to downtown Macon this weekend

Starting at 10:30 a.m. April 8, the Magnolia Soap Box Derby will return to downtown Macon on Magnolia Street by Washington Park.

Started in 2009 by a group of Maconites, this annual soap box racing event is now one of the largest in the nation, attracting around 5,000 visitors every year.

Participants in Saturday’s event will race in three categories: the gravity racing challenge for high school students, shadetree for communally built cars not necessarily focused on speed, and professional, which is focused on speed.

Participation in these races requires registering ahead of time on the Magnolia Soap Box Derby website. The big wheel race, for children 5-10 years-old, does not require pre-registration.

In addition to watching the races, attendees will have access to food trucks, a live DJ, performances by local organizations Hayiya Dance and Streetline, and STEAM educational demos. The STEAM learning zone will provide modules for children to learn about acceleration, force, gravity, and other aspects of the physics of downhill racing.

Community members will also be able to participate in Art in the Park during this event and can help paint a mural wall.