Gravity does the driving at the Madison Ave Derby, and for one day each fall, a quiet Oakhurst street transforms into the most joyful racetrack in Decatur. There’s no roaring engine or smell of exhaust here, just the whir of wheels, bursts of laughter, and the occasional cheer as a handmade soapbox car barrels downhill toward the finish.
Now in its 14th year, the Madison Ave Derby has become a beloved neighborhood tradition, drawing families, friends, and spectators from across the city. What started as a grassroots, all-ages event has evolved into a community celebration centered squarely on kids and their creativity.
“It’s several hours where kids are having fun and everybody else is just letting them,” said co-organizer Jamie Burnett. “It’s like a race just for kids — there’s nothing else like it.”
This year, the Derby’s proceeds will benefit the Decatur Education Foundation’s “Lighten the Load” programs, which provide direct support to students in need. Organizers Deanna Sutandi and Burnett said keeping the focus on children — both as participants and as the recipients of the event’s fundraising — is core to the Derby’s identity.
“One of the things that’s been part of the fabric of the Derby is having the money go to things that are related to kids and the kids in the neighborhood,” Sutandi said. “We’ve supported food insecurity and other family-focused causes, but this year feels like we came back to our roots — picking something kid-focused and program-based.”
That commitment shows up in the details. The Derby track runs right down Madison Avenue. For a few magical hours, it’s closed off to everything but soapbox cars — often decorated to look like spaceships, animals, or even giant hot dogs. Around 70 kids race each year, some competing for speed and trophies, while others are just happy to cruise at a slower pace in their custom-built creations.
“Some families have speed goals,” Sutandi said with a laugh. “Our family has slow goals — like, let’s make this go not fast at all.”
The day itself is equal parts competition and block party. Neighbors set up chairs and coolers, kids dart between races, and volunteers keep things running smoothly. It’s a family-centric event through and through, drawing a different crowd than Decatur’s larger festivals.
“There’s no money in the Derby,” Burnett said. “Nobody’s doing it for a profit. We’re not raising money for capital gains — we’re doing it for the community. When you do things like that, it just creates positive vibes.”
For both Sutandi and Burnett, the joy of the day makes the months of planning worth it.
“I find myself just smiling the entire day,” Sutandi said. “It’s exhausting work, especially that week before, but every time I think, ‘This really is so magical. This really is the best day.”
Burnett first experienced the Derby in 2019, shortly after moving to Madison Avenue.
“I didn’t even know it existed until October came around and I saw it happening,” he said. “I was like, this is amazing. I want to do this with the kids.”
When the event’s original organizers stepped away, Burnett stepped in to help keep it alive. Today, the Derby is sustained by a small but dedicated group of neighbors, including Sutandi and Burnett.
“You can’t do this without the whole street liking it,” Burnett said. “Most people with families love it. This is a destination for them. And you see people from all over coming to watch.”
The behind-the-scenes work is substantial — everything from securing permits to wrangling volunteers to managing registration lines. Over the years, the team has streamlined the attendee experience; however, the reality of a volunteer-run event means that some ideas simply have to wait.
“If we had the same execution energy as our idea energy, we’d be unstoppable,” Burnett joked. “But everything costs time and effort.”
Even so, the Derby’s magic is undeniable, and that’s what keeps people — participants and spectators alike — coming back year after year.
“I hope people leave thinking, ‘That was so fun, I’m putting it on my calendar now for next year,’” Sutandi said. “It’s all about community feels. It’s the epitome of that.”
Burnett agrees, calling it a “formative family experience” for kids who get to participate in the race.
“They’re part of something,” he said. “Whether they’re competing for a trophy or just cruising, it’s something they’ll remember forever.”
In a city with plenty of events, the Madison Ave Derby stands out for its focus on pure, unadulterated fun. And when gravity’s in charge, you never know exactly how a race will end, but you can count on (almost) everyone crossing the finish line with a smile.