Bel Air Lions Club says May 18 Derby is on track; Main Street to close early for races

The Bel Air Lions Club told the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on April 1 that the third annual Bel Air Town Derby is scheduled for Sunday, May 18 and is proceeding as planned, with expanded participation and community programming.

The Lions’ update matters to downtown businesses and residents because Main Street will close at 7 a.m. on race day and reopen under the group’s permit at 1 p.m. Racing is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. until about noon, followed by an hour for cleanup and presentations. The group expects double-elimination racing for roughly 26–27 cars, up from about 20 last year.

Dave Gazace, a Lions Club representative, said, “Bottom line is we’re on track,” and thanked town staff and the police chief for cooperation. Amy Biondi, who is assisting race coordination, said Hartford TV will record the event for later broadcast, Christy Breslin will announce, and “Miss Bel Air” will serve as the official starter to tie Derby promotion to the town’s Fourth of July activities. Gazace and Biondi said the Lions are doing door-to-door notification for downtown businesses, offering a free program-book ad to participating storefronts and encouraging sidewalk sales coordinated with town staff.

The Lions described several operational details: a derby-car clinic and test-run days were held in advance; two Main Street test closures for practice have been approved (Lee Street closures on April 26 and May 4); the Lions plan to place the announcer stage on Main Street to improve sightlines; and the group is improving timing and sound systems with volunteer-built equipment and assistance from the Downtown Alliance. Gazace credited local volunteers for building a new timing system with lights and improved displays.

Sponsors were also discussed. The Lions said Deer Creek is the title sponsor for the third year and recently added $1,000 to the club’s Camp Possibilities donation, a youth program for children with diabetes. Kona Ice is scheduled to attend and give free treats to drivers and volunteers, the Lions said.

Commissioners and the chair praised the Lions for outreach and coordination with town staff. Commissioner Chismar thanked the Lions for notifying businesses and providing free advertising. Chair Eddings and others noted the event’s family orientation and historical roots in Bel Air.

No formal vote or town action was recorded on the Derby at the work session; Lions representatives said permits and the memorandum of understanding with the town are in place and that they will continue coordinating logistics with staff.

Looking ahead, the Lions asked businesses to contact them with questions and said they will continue direct outreach leading up to May 18.