The City of West Columbia’s Third Annual Kinetic Derby Day Kinetic Derby Day has been moved to Saturday, Sept. 26. It was scheduled for April 25, but with the Governors orders imposed due to the coronavirus, it was moved to the fall.

Kinetic Derby Day is a unique celebration that includes a parade of kinetic sculptures (human-powered, handmade floats that highlight the community’s pride and creativity). The parade is followed by an afternoon of adult and child soapbox derby racing. To participate, sponsor, volunteer, or for more info: https://www.kineticderbyday.com

For West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles any time is a good time for the popular festival that takes place at State and Meeting Streets in West Columbia.

“September is a wonderful time of the year to have Kinetic Derby Day,” said Miles. “It’s a great event in the spring and it will be just as special in the fall.”

Miles said he enjoys the Kinetic Sculpture Parade and all the vendors lined up in State Street.

“We also love the soap box competition,” he said. “My daughter was behind the wheel of Catey’s Comet last year. We were competitive and we’re working on some adjustments to be even faster this year.”

Miles said, laughing, that he can’t reveal what those adjustments are due to “proprietary constraints. “We want to beat those boys from Mooneyhan’s Auto Repair.”

There is a Kinetic Sculpture Parade, too. Bicycles parts are popular on Kinetic sculptures. You can build a frame entirely from bicycle metal.

The Cola Town Bike Collective will give free parts as well. Click for the Cola Bike Collective Facebook Page

“We have cranks, cogs, wheels,” said Scott Neulton of Cola Town Bike Collective. He has conducted a workshop on Kinetic Derby sculpture building. Cola Bike Collective will also have a spot among the vendors on State Street during the Kinetic Derby Day.

“We’ll have a bike valet,” said Neulton. “You can drop off your bike and go enjoy Kinetic Derby Day. We’ll do a check-up on your bike and you can pick it up when you come back.”

Bill Mooneyhan is a Kinetic Derby Day sponsor. He is also in the process of getting his soapbox car ready for Kinetic Derby Day.

“Its going to look good,” said Mooneyhan. “We’re waiting to apply the graphics.”
Mooneyhan also said he’s looking forward to a Kinetic Derby Day in the fall.

“I love that time of the year,” said Mooneyhan. “It’s a good time of the year to show off West Columbia. It’s been a beautiful in the spring. The fall will be just as nice.”

Kinetic Derby Day has in a small amount of time become a signature event for the West Columbia community. It’s something that you can’t miss.