West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day featuring iMAGINE is scheduled for April 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It’s held on State and Meeting streets. West Columbia City Council recently approved a road closure map for Kinetic Derby Day (see map below.) 

The Kinetic Sculpture Parade leads the way, followed by soapbox and obstacle course racing. State Street transforms into the iMAGINE STEAM Festival, fostering creativity. The day includes competition and fun for all ages as teams construct unique vehicles and art installations. Register for building, racing, sponsoring, volunteering, or vending at www.kineticderbyday.com.

“The plans for Kinetic Derby Day  are going very well,” said Kelli Ricard, director of events.

“We are excited about the response we’ve received this year and have had multiple groups reach out about having Kinetic Derby Day staff do a build demonstration,” Ricard said. 

“We have also added more fun with a trackless train, more chalk artists, and Teddy Bear Mobile of the Lakelands will be onsite. Children can build their stuffed animals for a fee and receive a free Kinetic Derby Day T-shirt for their animal while supplies last. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds will be donated to a school participating in the event.”

Ricard also said the number of Kinetic Derby Day registrations is picking up and there are still opportunities for sponsorships. 

“We have close to 30 registrations so far and we are projecting 70 registrants by event day,” she said. “And we have the Giant Slide Sponsorship, and three trackless train sponsorships still available.

With plans falling into place, the anticipation is building.

“I can’t wait to see what the participants create with the cartoon theme, and I am looking forward to the excitement of the side-by-side racing and doubling the foam on the obstacle course,” Ricard said. And she is not the only one looking forward to Kinetic Derby Day. 

“Our vendors and attendees are definitely getting excited,” Ricard said. “The feedback on our social media pages has been wonderful.” 

Below is more information about Kinetic Derby Day with links:

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. The Kids’ Zone, presented by the Boys and Girls Club, hosts exhibition soapbox racing for the little ones.

At the hill’s base, a food truck rally satisfies appetites, and West Columbia’s Interactive Art Park hosts the Meeting Street Artisan Market. The corner of Meeting and State Streets features a giant slide for added excitement. River District businesses are open for shopping and dining.

Mayor Tem Miles expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “Kinetic Derby Day is one of the most fun days of the whole year. Folks of all ages and abilities can participate in the parade and the races. Please come out and join in the fun.”

For more details, volunteering, team registration, sponsorship, or vending opportunities, 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 is intended to inspire creative thinkers and help develop problem-solving skills to construct the ideas imagined. 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 with an emphasis on 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]