LAST WEEK, the Hilltop. This week, the Purple City.

The second local installment of Soap Box Derby competition this spring is scheduled to unfold Sunday in Martins Ferry.

Just six short days ago, St. Clairsville staged its second annual Soap Box Derby. The St. C. event, which weathered nasty rains a year ago, again drew widespread praise for a job well done in its second go round.

We commend the St. Clairsville Derby officials for another job well done.

Now the attention turns to Martins Ferry. The city’s chamber of commerce opted to end its long-standing affiliation with Akron last year, which helped spawn the St. C. race.

Martins Ferry will welcome more than 60 drivers to this year’s race. While the winner will not advance to the Rubber City for the national finals, Sunday’s derby again shapes up as a first-class event.

The defending champion will be able to defend his crown for the first time thanks to the Akron separation. Jacob Wilkerson will be bidding to retain his crown.

The 19th Annual Martins Ferry extravaganza is being sponsored by The Martins Ferry Chamber of Commerce, The Times Leader, Independent Insurance Agents and Independent Supporters of Coal.

Winners will receive well-stocked prize packages, thanks to the hard work by sponsors and the generosity of many businesses.

Actual racing begins at 10 a.m. Sunday under the supervision of Director Ralph King. We hope the weather proves conducive to exciting and safe competition.

The Martins Ferry Soap Box Derby is more than the actual racing.

The event has morphed into a rite of June. The Ferry Soap Box Derby enveloped the entire community. It is a reflection of what can be accomplished when businesses step up and offer their backing in return for the years of patronage they have received.

This year’s derby takes on a neat new feature, as the Super Kids Car will be navigating the course for the initial time.

Moreover, the annual derby could not flourish as it has without the work, patience and support of all the parents and guardians involved. We believe they will be rewarded for the extra effort they spent on behalf of their children, as well as the extra time they spent with them.

They were not just participating in a race; they were creating memories for a lifetime.