Everybody loves a parade. And even more so one that's officially dubbed the Parade of Champions that marched from Canal Park to Lock 3 in downtown Akron Monday afternoon.

More than 400 young champions soaked in the sun and the attention from a large crowd lining the short parade route, starting a week of preparations for the 82nd running of the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby Saturday at Derby Downs.

The racers socialized with new friends and proudly displayed their various locales on signs and clothing. All are between ages 7 and 20 and from the United States, Canada or Japan.

Mark Gerberich, president and chief executive officer who has hosted the event for the past three years, greeted them from the Lock 3 stage, followed by introductions of all the participants.

"I want all of you to have fun," Gerberich said. "I want you to make friends and I want you to race as hard as you can."

Many newcomers were joined by a host of veterans, kids and parents, who continue to attend year after year.

"Having a world championship in Akron — it doesn't matter what sport it it is — it's fantastic," said Gerberich, who has lived in the city for 35 years.

Rick Wolfe of Conneaut has been coming to Akron to support his daughter, Jenna, since 2012.

"In rally racing, you meet a lot of nice folks," Wolfe said. "You become a real big Derby fan. You look forward to seeing them every weekend when you're racing."

Teresa Raber of Dover, supporting 10-year-old daughter, Lydia, called it "an awesome event."

"I have been so impressed by the staff and the organization of the event," Raber said. "Phenomenal job with the sheer number of kids they're trying to put in different districts, and keep things moving."

Frisbees, tennis balls, rolled up T-shirts and other Derby-related goodies flew from the stage as racers gathered and celebrated.

Enjoying it all was Marcel Geisen, 11, of St. Louis, Missouri, making his third trip to the All-American Derby.

"I like to see it as getting to know each other and having fun," he said.

Nick Hubbell, 20, of Columbus, is an 11-year veteran of the event said he is sad that this will be his last year here.

Hannah Oleson, 17, of Des Moines, Iowa, is making her second trip to Akron.

"I've been racing in super stocks for seven years," she said. "It's really cool to be out here. Meeting new people from everywhere, pretty much, and it's just so much fun."

Allison Pankoff, 19, of Parker, Colorado, is a former racer attending as a spectator now. She also is one of four recipients of this year's youth service awards.

"I've been to Akron a total of six times now," said Pankoff, who will be a junior at Colorado State University. "I've been racing since 2009. My last year that I competitively traveled, I won 27 out of 42.

"But it took me a long time to become successful, for sure."

Gerberich said Pankoff is typical of many former racers who continue to contribute as volunteers.

"There's a lot of kids in Soap Box Derby that volunteer and give back to their communities," Gerberich said. "They're really All-American kids."

Bob Troyer, Derby public relations chairman, has been part of the event a little longer than Pankoff. Try 53 years, starting when he was a student at Kent State University in 1967.

"People often ask me the question why I've stayed around so long and there's only a one-word answer — people," Troyer said. "I've met some wonderful people, long-time friends through the Soap Box Derby every year.

"We see excitement in the faces of the children and excitement in the faces of the family. And we're involved in a program that affects people's lives. They're learning values and skills that they use for lifetime. It's like a family reunion."