Sanford Hosts Holiday Soap Box Rally, UCF Wins Sun Belt Title

The City of Sanford Parks and Recreation Department and the Central Florida Soap Box Derby will stage the popular Holiday Rally at Mike Kirby Park on Saturday December 27 and Sunday December 28. The two day event is one of the busiest on the Central Florida Soap Box Derby calendar, particularly for out of state competitors, and organizers say the park will open for trailer drop off on Friday December 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. RVs are welcome with prior arrangements. Racing begins at 8 30 a.m. each day with double elimination rounds in the morning and single elimination in the afternoon.

Registration details underscore the event s community emphasis. If registration and fee are received before Tuesday December 2 the entry fee is ninety dollars for one entry and one hundred sixty five dollars for two or more siblings for both days. After December 2 fees rise to one hundred fifteen dollars for one entry or two hundred dollars for a family of two or more drivers. The final day to enter and pay in full is Tuesday December 16 and there will be no onsite registration. Soap Box Derby racing is open to children ages seven to twenty and loaner cars are available for new participants. Organizers provide registration contacts and links through the City of Sanford Parks and Recreation Department and the Central Florida Soap Box Derby.

The rally has local public health and equity implications. Loaner cars and sibling pricing reduce financial barriers to participation and create opportunities for families who might otherwise be excluded. At the same time the lack of onsite registration and strict payment deadlines could pose challenges for households without reliable internet access or flexible schedules, and residents who need assistance are encouraged to reach out to the parks department.

On the collegiate front UCF men s soccer capped its season on November 26 by defeating third seeded and No. 12 Marshall three to one in the Sun Belt Tournament final, earning an automatic bid to the 2025 NCAA Tournament and a first round host date against FIU. UCF women s basketball split recent games, losing a close contest to UNC Charlotte before bouncing back with a win over FIU. Together these events spotlight youth and college sports as important sources of community activity, local economic benefit, and opportunities for residents across Seminole County.