All events at Derby Downs on Friday, July 17, have been canceled because of poor air quality, International Soap Box Derby officials announced July 16.
The events that were canceled include the National Super Kids Classic, as well as alignment and wheel selection activities for the 88th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby.
The All-American Soap Box Derby events for July 18 are still scheduled to take place, the officials said in a news release.
The National Weather Service in Cleveland says smoke from Canadian wildfires will continue in the Akron area, mainly before 3 p.m. Friday. It will be mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Airnow.gov deems conditions as “hazardous,” with all people advised to stay indoors and reduce activity levels.
“We will continue to closely monitor conditions and evaluate the forecast as circumstances evolve,” derby officials said. “[On July 17 we] will update any changes to the Saturday schedule, and we will communicate through our E-Blast and through our Social Media Platforms.”
Wheel selection for derby will occur prior to each champion’s first heat on Saturday.
A different weather event in Akron could make an impact, however.
The weather service says there is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms late Saturday afternoon into Saturday night. The primary hazards would be damaging wind gusts and large hail.
The chance of rain is 100% during the day and 70% at night. A high of 88 is expected.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: All-American Soap Box Derby cancels Friday events because of smoke
Reporting by Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
