Kinetic Derby Day is April 23, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and the soapbox racers are looking forward to the competition.

“We’ve challenged the Cayce Police Department and Chief Chris Cowan,” said West Columbia Police Chief Marion Boyce. “We’ve got a trophy that the winner gets.” Boyce said he plans on West Columbia winning the trophy this year and keeping it for years to come.
Cowan took a humble approach when he was informed of Boyce’s bravado.

“I’m excited by Chief Boyce’s confidence. And I hope his feelings aren’t hurt as he watches from behind as we cross the finish line in front of him,” Cowan said with a laugh.

Cowan also said he appreciates the competitive spirit of the Kinetic Derby Day race and it exemplifies the great working relationship between the Cayce and West Columbia police departments. The West Columbia Police entry has been on display for practice runs, Cowan was more secretive and said Cayce’s car will not be unveiled until race day.

On Kinetic Derby Day, there will be child and adult side-by-side soapbox racing, from 10 a.m. until noon. Exhibition soapbox runs will also be available for younger children on State Street throughout the day. There will also be a timed soapbox obstacle course from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Meeting Street.

 Click here to register for the soapbox car competition  

Bill Mooneyhan Jr., owner of Mooneyhan’s Auto Repair of West Columbia is looking forward to Kinetic Derby Day so he can show off his company’s soapbox car.

“My father (the late Bill Mooneyhan Sr,) was passionate about Kinetic Derby Day becuase it was such a unique and fun event that brings the community together. He loved West Columbia, and Kinetic Derby Day represents us and shows all that we have to offer.”

Bill Jr. also said his father designed the soapbox car for Mooneyhan’s and he was very proud of it. “It’s a very nice car,” Bill Jr. said.

Steve Cohen, president of the WECO River District Merchants Association, said he is involved in two soapbox car entries.

“The WECO River District business owners are looking forward to the large crowds that come out for Kinetic Derby Day,” said Cohen. “The soapbox cars are a chance for them to promote their business and we have several businesses sponsoring cars.”

Cohen said the WECO River District soapbox cars will be adorned with the logos of the businesses that sponsor the cars. “Be on the lookout for some sharp-looking cars,” he said.

More Kinetic Derby Day Activities
There will be food trucks at Kinetic Derby Day and two flavored ice trucks. The food trucks planned are: Cafe Strudel; The Haute Dog Lady; P&S New Jersey Style Cheese Steak Subs; and Kelaguen Express. Kona Ice and Philly Flava 2 will also be at Kinetic Derby Day.

West Columbia’s Interactive Art Park will be open for Kinetic Derby Day.  There will be an expanded Artisan Market in the shelter beside the park. There will also be live art demonstrations throughout the Kinetic Derby Day area.

On State Street, Kinetic Derby Day will feature a “Kids Zone” set up by The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands and a mini STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) festival with demonstrations and interactive participation.

Nephron Pharmaceuticals, a Kinetic Derby Day sponsor, will have a booth at the STEAM event and JT’s Kia,another sponsor, will have an electric car there.

There will be lots of free parking for Kinetic Derby Day.  Free parking lots will be open at: The City of West Columbia Parking Garage at the corner of State Street and Court Avenue; River District Baptist Church, 400 State St.: Capitol Square in the 400 block of Sunset Boulevard and Caraway Park at the Riverwalk, 212 Hudson St.  

Kinetic Derby Day Sponsors are:

• House of Raeford;
• Savage Craft Ale Works
• Nephron Pharmaceuticals;
• Mooneyhan’s Auto Service;
• Adluh Flour;
• TSG (The Sourcing Group);
• NAI Columbia;
• Something Borrowed;
• Graphic Source
• JT’s Kia;
• Lowe’s;
• Aflac;
• Professional Printers;
• WXRY;
• Boys and Girls Club;
• Brookland United Methodist Church;
• County of Lexington;
• Giles Brothers Insurance;
• DIY Lender;
• The Jasper Project;
• First Community Bank
• Faithful Marketing Events