Main Street businesses prepare for annual soap box derby

The Blue Ridge Soap Box Classic returns to downtown today, though some business owners are not sure it will benefit them financially.
“I’ll be open,” said Don Morris, owner of Valley Framing Studio and Gallery. “I’ve been here for 20 years. The Derby brings no business for me, but I don’t close. I’ve come to accept it. People are here to watch the Derby, not shop – unless customers park and walk two blocks to get to my store.”
A Main Street community, Waynesboro’s downtown area is host to a few major city events each year – the Main Street Muscle car show and the Virginia Fall Foliage Festival Art Show, among others.
While these events offer cultural and social advantages to the residents of the city, those inhabiting downtown storefronts have to change the way they do business to accommodate them.
“We try to work with them [downtown businesses],” said Kimberly Watters, executive director of Waynesboro Downtown Development Inc. “Unfortunately, the way it’s [the Derby] laid out, it blocks all the businesses. We encourage businesses, especially restaurants, to open their doors and bring things out to the sidewalk, otherwise people won’t be able to get to them. We are encouraging businesses to be proactive with bringing in customers.”
This tactic is not feasible for every downtown business owner.
“I just replaced my air conditioner, so I’m not going to leave my door open,” Morris said.
Under The Roof, a Waynesboro furniture store that has been downtown since February, is not going to lug hundreds of pounds’ worth of home furnishings from their basement location to street level. Despite the immobility of his merchandise, Marty Hash, who works at the business, remains optimistic for his first Soap Box Classic.
“Everything [will go] as normal,” Hash said. “Regardless of what’s happening on the street, we’re here. I don’t think it’s a big factor. The people who come will get tired of waiting and will wander some. It’s a greater opportunity for them to see what’s here. It’s always a guessing game, I think, to a certain degree. Let’s put it this way – having people on the street is better than not having people on the street. When they’re there, they will wander.”
Waynesboro Florist owner Webber Payne, whose business has been a longtime member of Waynesboro’s downtown, recognizes the setbacks, as well as triumphs, the Derby offers.
“We can’t afford to close,” Payne said “We’ve got the Waynesboro Finals Dance coming up, among other things. It’s great for the kids and great for the city, but it [the Derby] doesn’t do much for downtown businesses, at least not for our type of business.”

Derby day schedule
What: Blue Ridge Soap Box Classic
When: Today
Where: West Main Street and Arch Avenue, Waynesboro
Schedule:
8 a.m.  – Drivers’ meeting at pavilion
8:15 – Parade and National Anthem
8:30 – Group picture at top of hill
8:45 – Mayor’s race, Champions’ race, Parents’ race
9:00 – Races begin
6:30 p.m. – Drivers at Waynesboro High School
7:00 – Awards ceremony