AKRON, Ohio — For more than 80 years, the All-American Soap Box Derby has called Akron home. Over the years, thousands have made runs down the big hill.
On Thursday, some special folks had the opportunity to take a ride back in time.
As part of the Senior Citizens Health Fair at Derby Downs, former riders had a chance to relive their glory days.
The seniors travel in shuttle busses, disguised as time machines, and head back to an era when cheers echoed along Akron's Derby Downs. It’s a place where young soap box derby drivers race for World Championships.
The senior ride is just one of the many community events put on at the famous big hill.
“We're just happy that we're connecting back to the community and giving people something to do to make them smile," says Mark Gerberich, CEO of the Soap Box Derby.
And for a short time, feel like a kid again.
“When you hear that THUNK and start racing down that hill, that's the most awesome experience you'll ever have," senior rider Judy Rweltzer told us.