West Columbia’s Annual Kinetic Derby Day is April 25, and it’s time to start planning. In fact, registration opened in December for the 2020 edition of the big event.

West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles and his daughter, Cate, raced in Kinetic Derby Day’s soapbox completion in 2019.  He will be in the race again in 2020, and he’s looking forward to it.

“The first year of West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day was a great opening. Last year, year two, was even better, said Miles. “There is no doubt we’re looking forward to the next Kinetic Derby Day with a lot of anticipation and excitement. It’s an occasion that has quickly become a big part of our city’s identity.”

The inaugural Kinetic Derby Day,  in April of 2018, drew more than 40 soapbox racing and parade entries. And the numbers have grown.West Columbia events Manager Kelli Ricard said the interest is strong this year.

“Kinetic Derby Day 2020 promises to be the most exciting yet,” said Ricard. “The sponsors and vendors are reaching out and looking forward to being a part of the event again this year. We have been hearing from local schools that are already working  on their cars and sculptures. 

“River Bluff High School has added two additional physical science classes to keep up with the demand of students who want to build a car to race. We are thrilled that the students are embracing the S.T.E.M. and S.T.E.A.M. based learning experience, and in the process, are creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

In the third year, Kinetic Derby Day is adding components to create a challenging environment for the Kinetic Sculptures to race, including obstacles in the Kinetic Sculpture Parade.  The “dirty run” will include the obstacles and involve fun ways to get messy, inspired by the Kinetic Sculpture Race in Kensington, PA – Click here to see video h

And obstacles are not all that will be new. 
“This year our annual signature event, Kinetic Derby Day, will be bigger and better than ever,” said Anna Huffman, City of West Columbia Communications Director. “In addition to the obstacles in the Kinetic Sculpture Parade,  we are adding new attractions and fine-tuning the Jasper Project Artisan Fairway.  The new additions will create a lot of excitement in the community.”

Huffman also encouraged participation.

“We have been very pleased with the attendance at the first two events,” she said. “We cannot wait to see how many will attend in our third year as the word gets out about our unique family-friendly event. Save the date. We want to see you there.”

The planning is ongoing. Since the 2019 event, the West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day committee has been working with schools, artists, and businesses to engage broad community participation.

To register to race or participate in the kinetic sculpture parade, for volunteer opportunities, and for more information go to the Kinetic Derby Day webpage here Registration ends on April 18.

More information: Do you want to know what a kinetic sculpture is?  It’s a human-powered 3D representation that brings imagination to life using pedal power, as an individual or as a team.

A team may include multiple members on a bike with themed costumes or multiple participants in costume riding or walking along with a sculpture that includes kinetic movement. They can be as simple as someone in costume riding a bike or more elaborate structures like the Moby and the Admiral or The Snow Queen that appeared in last year’s parade. 

So don’t wait to get registered for this year’s fun. April 25, and all the fun of West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day, will be here before you know it.