Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Taking in the view at Mt. Tabor Park (Photo courtesy of Paul Gerald)
BACK STORY: PORTLAND ADULT
SOAPBOX DERBY
Held on the slopes of Mt. Tabor, usually on a Saturday in mid-August, the
Portland Adult Soapbox Derby is a favorite local tradition. The derby in its
current incarnation started in 1997, inspired by a visit to San Francisco's an-
nual Bernal Heights version. These days, thousands of spectators line the race
course, brandishing tall cans of watery domestic beer as they loudly egg on
the teams of racers. Forty-odd teams participate, building cars designed either
for speed or for show (sometimes both). Themed cars have included a mini-
ature Sandy Hut, complete with bartender; a fully lit stage with a band on it,
performing all the way down the course; a tank; a rib cage; a kiddie pool; a
big black Caddy; a taqueria serving tequila shots; a basketball court; a hot
