The 4^th Annual Kinetic Derby Day is just around the corner, on Saturday, April 22. The streets of West Columbia will be filled with thousands of people coming together at State and Meeting. It attracts the very young and the seasoned members of our community, along with everyone in between.

The event features art, soapbox racing, a parade, and an obstacle course and is intended to spur creative thinking, competition, and family as teams unite to build unusual vehicles and awe-inspiring art installations.

Throughout the years, Kinetic Derby Day has become a most-beloved event. Sponsors look forward to it and are glad to be a part of the spirit that Kinetic Derby Day evokes. 

“We feel that anything that we can do to support the community and its youth are important,” said Kathy Whetzel. She and her husband Rob own Whetzel’s Automotive, a sponsor, in West Columbia. “Kinetic Derby Day is an opportunity to bring people together for fun, food, fellowship and a little sport with lots of laughs. We love to see this type of event and love doing our part.” Rob is creating the first ever launch ramp that will be used this year during the racing portion of the event.

Savage Craft Ale Works, since it opened two years ago, has become an iconic symbol of WECO River District revitalization. The micro-brewery is a regional draw. Savage Craft is also a Kinetic Derby Day sponsor and will be in the middle of the festivities during the event.

“We are truly looking forward to Kinetic Derby Day this year,” said Victoria Porter, Savage Craft general manager. “We can’t wait.” She then explained why Savage Craft is involved. 

“We sponsor Kinetic Derby Day because It’s one of our core missions to support and be active in our community,” Porter said. “We are looking forward to seeing everyone out and cheering on their favorite racers. It’s a fun day to be in West Columbia, we encourage everyone to come out and experience it for yourself.” 

After Kinetic Derby Day, Savage Craft will have live music on the stage that night to follow. Porter said  School Boy Johnny- A tribute to Bad Company with special guests Interstate Exiles starts at 7 p.m.

Sponsorship of Kinetic Derby Day is a tradition for one business.

“I look forward to Kinetic Derby Day every year,” said Brad Giles. He owns Giles Insurance with his brother Craig. “Giles Insurance has been proud to be a part of KDD since the beginning and look forward to continuing to support this unique, fun event in West Columbia. We love our community and are happy to support it.”

Giles described what he likes about Kinectic Derby day. 

“It’s so cool to see the designs that people come up with every year, whether it’s one of the art cars, a kids bike that they decorated, or one of the speed cars,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to the obstacle course that will be incorporated this year. I think it will be a lot of fun to see how the drivers navigate the course.”

More Kinetic Derby Day Information

Soap Box Race
Register to race your own soapbox car down Meeting St. In this traditional side-by-side gravity power race, you’re sure to have fun with the whole team. Click for Soap Box Registration 

Kinetic Sculpture Parade
Whether you want to show your creativity through a Kinetic Sculpture or put on an 80s costume and hop on a bike. This parade is delight to your family and the community.  Click for  Kinetic Sculpture Parade Registration 

Obstacle Course
They are officially allowing petal power to the obstacle course. So if you want to include your soapbox car or kinetic sculpture just be sure your build abides by both sets of rules and you can participate in both. Click for Obstacle Course Registration 

Volunteer Signup

Want to join the Kinetic Derby Day fun without building something? Sign up to volunteer and participate in all the fun. Click for Volunteer Signup

Register now to be a part of the best day of the year so you will not miss out on all the fun that Kinetic Derby Days brings to West Columbia.