August 19, 2019

Soap Box Derby Party

Soap Box Derby Party

Several years ago, my son had a Soap Box Derby themed birthday party. It was truly one of the most difficult, yet awesome birthday parties I have ever hosted. To this day, he still gets a little twinkle in his eye when we talk about his derby party.

Host a Soap Box Derby Party

We were at the toy store, and my boy saw a vintage Indy Car style Hot Wheels car and asked if we could have a racing party for him. We know less than nothing about Indy Car racing, or racing in general, so, we looked up soapbox derby races. The boy quickly changed his mind and we agreed to put together a fun vintage soapbox car party.

Together, we worked on the invitations, and the party decor. The hubs and I diligently worked on building a wooden race car. The party decor worked out, but the wooden soapbox car did not. It was an EPIC failure. Obviously, though, we could not have a race without a working derby car. So, we improvised, and the party was a ton of fun, and a huge success.

Race to the Dessert Table

My boy wanted flames, a blue derby car, and cake pops. I wanted the party to have a vintage vibe. So, I ordered a fondant derby car cake topper, and placed it on a store bought cake decorated with flames. I framed the cake with classic colas, cake pops, and wooden crates.

I wrapped water bottles in flames and added flame flags to straws. Pixie Sticks were covered with paper straws and stacked in toy wheels.

3-2-1 Race!

Before the party, we moved the cars from our driveway and lined it with checkered flags. The birthday boy requested a curtain and bunting to be hung behind the ramps, and it was a great photo opportunity for all of the kids at the party.

Remember our soapbox derby car plans didn’t work, so we found a Kett Car and had the kids ride down the driveway. We timed each racer, and they all got medals after their race.

Derby Car Favors

I like to set up favor stations for parties, and this was no different. For this party, I ordered 3D Derby Cars to match the party invitations, and filled them with candies. I also filled a glass jar with ballon racers for each guest.