In less than a month, on Saturday April 27, Kinetic Derby Day will commence on State and Meeting Streets in West Columbia.

As the date gets closer, the excitement  is mounting.

Kinetic Derby Day is free and includes a kinetic sculpture parade, soapbox car racing for adults and children, art, food, and family fun.

The Kinetic Sculpture Parade begins at 11 a.m. on Meeting Street. The adult soap box derby racing begins at 11:30 a.m. on Meeting Street. Adults have two race categories, Art Cars and Need For Speed. Children ages eight-and-up will race on Meeting Street. Authentic vintage race cars will be available for the younger children to race on State Street.

“Last year’s Kinetic Derby Day was one of the best events ever for West Columbia. I look forward to an even better event this year,” said Tem Miles, West Columbia Mayor Pro-Tem and Councilman. Kinetic Derby Day is in his district, and Miles said he wants to lay out the welcome mat.

“West Columbia has always had a creative vibe,” Miles said. “Kinetic Derby Day allows for people from all over to come and participate in our spirit. And they can build something for the parade or the soap box races. Just remember, the bigger the wheels, the faster you go.”

And Miles is not the only one excited. Lexington School District Two students are building an entry for the Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day parade.

Alexandra Pinto, a seventh-grade math and science teacher at Busbee Creative Arts Academy is overseeing the construction of an Kinetic Derby Day float.

“We saw that there is an award for a literacy theme,” Pinto said, “so we wanted to go with that.”

Last year Students at Busbee’s middle school students built a float for the Kinetic Derby Day parade.

It was a partnership with the University of South Carolina and  included a WeReadSC theme. It  was named “The Cocky Reading Express.” Busbee also handed out books as they marched in the parade with the 28-feet-long, eight-foot tall, float. Pamela Hoppock guided that project. She is a volunteer building the Busbee float this year.

This year, Pinto said Busbee students comprised a list of their favorite books and selected a theme from that.

“We chose Dr. Seuss,” said Pinto. “We’ll have three mini-floats,” she said. The books represented will be Horton Hears a Who, The Places You’ll Go, and The Lorax.”

Pinto said the students love the creativity involved to build their Kinetic Derby Day parade entry. She said 30-to-35 students are working on the float.

“They love it,” said Pinto. And based on the experience from the participation last year in Kinetic Derby Day, the students were eager to get involved again this year.

Pinto said the project gives her the opportunity to work with students in an extra-curricular activity and it allows for the expression of different talents for the students.

“Some are more hands-on, working with a drill and the actual building of the float,” said Pinto. Others contribute creatively, and by helping develop the design of the float. “They can do different things.”

Laird Thompson, the Lexington 2 Innovation Center’s welding instructor and his students, are working on an entry for Kinetic Derby Day, too.

The L2IC level one students are building an entry for the parade called “Rollin Coal”.

From students and residents, to everyone else, Kinetic Derby Day is much anticipated.

West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton described Kinetic Derby Day as another family-based event that adds to West Columbia’s appeal. “It’s a unique festival. Kinetic Derby Day is one-of-a-kind. It  attracts kids, and adults,” said Horton. “It’s an excellent way to celebrate our wonderful community.”

There is still time to plan your Kinetic Derby Day experience. To find out more go to: Link to Kinetic Derby Day Facebook Page

To participate, sponsor, volunteer, Go to Link to Kinetic Derby Day Page.

In addition to Derby Day’s parade and derby races, there will be a Arts Fairway coordinated by the Jasper Project. The Arts Fairway will be located along the 100 – 300 Blocks of State Street, from 11 am. until 3p.m..

The Jasper Project’s Arts Fairway will include interactive stations, public art, live music, and performers . More information about the Arts Fairway can be found at: Link to Jasper Project Page

The Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands is creating the “Kids’ Area” with science stations and soapbox racing.  For more information and registration visit www.kineticderbyday.com.

To view Kinetic Derby 2018 images, go to: Kinetic Derby Day images link

With so much to offer, West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby day is a can’t-miss event. Be sure to be on hand at State Street for the festivities on Saturday, April 27.