It was the most-beautiful day in West Columbia. The sun shined brightly on the city’s Second Annual Kinetic Derby Day. After a Meeting Street parade of human-powered contraptions – of the most-creative sort- racers in some odd vehicles – did soapbox.

Music played on State Street, vendors displayed, and the smell of seasoned chicken, and grilled vegetables filled the air.

“It was an awesome event. Our planning team is thrilled with the result. The attendance tripled from last year,” said Anna Huffman, the City of West Columbia’s commutations director. “We thank our sponsors, all of our staff and volunteers and the public for making the event the most successful yet. We had more than 70 participants in the parade and derby. Crowds that attended experienced an amazing, fun filled.  artistic day.”

Before the close of the festival, awards, some of them including cash, were announced.

Kinetic Sculpture Awards

The Grand Poohbah of the Kinetic Sculptures for $1,000 Snow Queen BA Hohman

Literary Award $500 The Mad Hatter’s Rat Rod – Mark Plessinger

STEAM Kids Creation Award for $250

Over the Top Kinetically Speaking Trophy  – Busbee Creative Arts Academy Beta Club

The Characters Award Trophy Heidi – Go Heidi

Best 5-plus Team – The Mighty Vikings, How to train your Dragon

Art Car Award and Cash Prizes

Artistically Creative Roller – Pocket Rocket-Fox Trot – for $400 – Martin Alexander

Junkyard Resurrection – Lounge Lizard for $250 – Martin Mechanics

Slowpoke Picasso – Recycled Material – Scott Baroton

Need for Speed Car Award Trophies

Designer’s Dream Squeaky Clean Machine – Irish Springs

Golden Radar Double-Barrel – City of West Columbia Maintenance Shop

Recycled Speedster for $100 – Keep the Change- Mo Money-Mo Problems