West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day is from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on April 22. 

To register to build, race, volunteer, or be a vendor, and join in the fun, visit www.kineticderbyday.com Kinetic Derby Day has become one of the most-popular events in the area.

“It’s one of the best days in West Columbia,” said Mayor Tem Miles.

It’s January now, but Kinetic Derby Day preparations are already in full swing.

The first test run for the obstacle course portion of the races will be conducted from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m., on Saturday (Jan. 28.)  The test run will take place in front of Brookland United Methodist Church, 541 Meeting St, West Columbia. Meeting Street will be closed from North Witt Street to Leaphart Street from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. to prepare for the test run.

Now that the practice is beginning, it is a good time to register to participate in all the fun.

“There is quite a bit of interest already this year,” said Kelli Ricard, West Columbia’s director of events.  “We’re encouraging everyone to register as soon as you can.”

First Community Bank, Savage Craft Ale Works, and Pasco are this year’s obstacle course sponsors. Racers will be able to test out the Jello Explosion and Foam Surprise obstacles. In addition to these obstacles, Whetzel’s Automotive’s rollback will be onsite for the first-ever start ramp at Kinetic Derby Day.

Miles said Kinetic Derby Day is an all-inclusive event.

“It’s fun for everyone,” Miles said. “From the sculpture parade that is coming back this year to the creative arts and food, you can participate or watch it all. It’s a day full of festivities.”

Following the test run on Meeting Street, event representatives will lead a soapbox building demonstration at the Richland County Library, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to learn about steering, brake mechanisms, and get your soapbox car questions answered.

Below are more details about Kinetic Derby Day.

This year, the return of the Kinetic Sculpture Parade will kick off the day, followed by soapbox racing, obstacle course racing, and the iMAGINE STEAM Festival on State Street throughout the day. As always, the event spurs creative thinking, competition, and family fun as teams come together to build unusual vehicles and awe-inspiring art installations.

The iMAGINE STEAM Festival on State features interactive exhibits emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) to ignite the interests of Pre-K through 12th-grade students (and their families) in STEAM subjects. It also gives them exposure to STEAM careers, skilled trades jobs, and education pathways. The Kids’ Zone, presented by the Boys and Girls Club, will host exhibition soapbox racing for the smaller children.

So don’t wait. Register now for Kinetic Derby Day. It’s going to be a great day in West Columbia.