April is time to make plans for West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day, a day of fun for everyone – Get the Details
It’s April and that means it’s the month of West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day. West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles issued an invitation at the City Council meeting, Tuesday.
“Plan to come out for Kinetic Derby Day,” he said. “It’s a great and fun-filled day. Come out and participate or just come out and take it in. You will love it.”
The City of West Columbia’s Sixth Annual Kinetic Derby Day, held on Meeting and State Streets, is Saturday, April 26. It attracts smiling faces, encourages creative problem-solving, and provides an example of a proud and unified community. Last year’s Kinetic Derby Day crowd was the largest ever, and it just keeps growing. Kinetic Derby Day has become a can’t-miss tradition in a short period of time. Link to Register for Kinetic Derby Day
Expect the Kinetic Sculpture Parade to be full of creative entries, thrilling and competitive soapbox races down Meeting Street and large crowds, with packed tents, for the iMAGINE STEAM Festival on State Street. On State Street, the third annual iMAGINE STEAM festival will offer hands-on activities, while the Boys and Girls Club hosts a mini soapbox racing experience for young racers in the Kids’ Zone.
Planners are anticipating a great Kinetic Derby day.
“We are excited to finalize the plans for the 6th Annual Kinetic Derby Day event, which will take place on April 26, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,” said Kelli Ricard, City of West Columbia Director of Events and Publications. “The fantasy world theme has sparked quite an interest in kinetic sculptures and art cars. I am really looking forward to seeing the creations representing the participant’s favorite magical realms.”
Kelli also said there will be lots to enjoy for everyone.
“Kinetic Derby Day is always great fun for the whole family,” she said. “Whether it be racing, hands-on fun at the iMAGINE STEAM festival on State Street, the Ferris Wheel or giant slide, food, shopping at the Meeting Street Artisan Market and local shops, or the awards ceremony at the Savage Craft Ale Works stage, we have something fun for everyone.”
Kinetic Derby Day staff and volunteers will be at the following events to answer questions about building Kinetic Sculptures and Soap Box Cars:
iMAGINE Upstate STEAM Festival
- Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
- Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Location: Main Street, Downtown Greenville, SC
- About: A free street festival to ignite interest in STEAM learning and career pathways among Pre-K through 12th grade students and their families. The festival features interactive exhibits, live stage shows, and hands-on learning experiences.
Tartan Day South Highland Games & Celtic Festival
- Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
- Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Location: Historic Columbia Speedway, 2001 Charleston Highway, Cayce, SC
- About: This festival showcases the traditions of the United Kingdom with events including Highland athletics, Celtic music, and cultural displays.
Kinetic Derby Day is looking for volunteers.
Volunteer
Details (fix the formatting. it looks like it’s just a sculpture parade. We need to make sure the races are highlighted as well)
- Kinetic Sculpture Parade – 11 AM – Meeting Street
- Register to participate.
- What is a Kinetic Sculpture?
It is a human-powered vehicle, gear-based with no stored energy, motors, or electricity, designed to reflect your interpretation of the yearly theme (2025 is Fantasy World). Bring your imagination to life and travel through the parade route in the heart of the River District in West Columbia. A panel of judges will award the most inventive entries with trophies in various categories. Your sculpture can travel as an individual or a team (a team can include multiple members on a pedal-powered sculpture with themed costumes or multiple escorts in costume riding or walking along with a sculpture that contains kinetic movement).
iMAGINE STEAM Festival – State Street
The iMAGINE STEAM Festival on State Street showcases interactive exhibits, emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) to engage Pre-K through 12th-grade students and families in STEAM subjects and careers. This dynamic street fair festival showcases hands-on learning exhibits provided by companies, schools, and nonprofits, all aimed at making STEAM subjects come alive for families. Explore interactive exhibits, conduct fun experiments, and get hands-on with the latest STEAM education. It is a unique opportunity for families to engage with the worlds of science, technology, art, engineering, and math in a fun and exciting way.
- The Kids’ Zone, presented by the Boys and Girls Club – State Street
- Inflatable Obstacle Course
- Exhibition soapbox racing for the little ones
- Face Painting and more!
- Meeting Street Artisan Market – Interactive Art Park
- Vendors showcasing and selling handmade art, crafts, and creations.
- Giant Slide, Food Truck Rally, & Chalk Artists – Corner of Meeting and State Streets
- FREE giant slide for all ages.
- Multiple food trucks with a diverse selection to satisfy all appetites.
- Multiple chalk artists create temporary art on the street. Interact with the artists as they finish their masterpieces.
- Soapbox Racing – 11:30 AM – Meeting Street
Experience the ultimate Kinetic Derby Day in West Columbia, SC, by participating in the soapbox derby races at 11:30 AM. Choose to build an art or a kit car and compete for exciting prizes while embracing the fantasy theme by dressing up as your favorite character. Enjoy an exhilarating soapbox race down a massive hill featuring outrageous vehicles like rocket ships and giant rubber ducks, reminiscent of the “Little Rascals.” It’s a day filled with skill, creativity, daring, and unforgettable experiences!
For more details, volunteering, team registration, or sponsorship, visit www.kineticderbyday.com.
About Kinetic Derby Day
The mission of Kinetic Derby Day is to inspire creative problem-solving, build community pride, and showcase our growing community welcoming economic investment. The event intends to inspire creative thinkers and help develop problem-solving skills to construct imagined ideas. For more information, visit www.kineticderbyday.com.
About iMAGINE
iMAGINE is a program of South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science (SCCMS) at Clemson University. Its mission is to create meaningful experiences that promote a culture of lifelong learning and professional growth, emphasizing science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), innovation, and entrepreneurial activity in South Carolina. For more information, visit https://www.imaginesteamsc.org/ or contact Dallas Thomas at [email protected].