EdVenture to Host City of West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day Workshops
West Columbia, SC (March 26, 2018) – The City of West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day is bringing a builder’s workshop to EdVenture on Saturday, March 31st, from 10 AM to 12 PM. Lenny Spears, a soapbox car-building master, will explain how to build a soapbox car. Spears built six cars for the Kinetic Derby Day which will take place on April 21, 2018 on Meeting and State Streets in West Columbia. Participants can also discuss concepts for building kinetic sculptures and share ideas with the creative team. A second workshop will take place on April 14th, at EdVenture, from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
In addition to those seeking more information, all registered participants can attend one of these two workshops for the required safety inspections before race day. There is no fee for the workshops but admission to EdVenture is required ($11.50). Members are free.
Pictured : Soap Box Builder Lenny Spears and Gosnell & Company Rebecca Gosnell
Kinetic Derby Day is an exciting new event produced by the City of West Columbia. The event includes a kinetic sculpture parade, soapbox car racing for adults and children, art, food, and family fun. Registration for the kinetic sculpture parade and soapbox derby is half priced now through March 30th and open until April 20th. Entry fees range from $20-$35 for non-commercial entries; business registration is $100.
Pictured: Local children testing out the soap box derby car.
Kinetic sculptures can be floats and pieces of art that move by human power only, no motors or electricity are allowed. An entry can be as simple as putting on a costume and riding a bike in the parade. According to Event Manager Kelli Ricard, “We have very creative residents and business owners in the area. We want everyone to commit to building something for the Kinetic Parade or Soapbox Derby. It is great for a family project or an event for a group of friends or co-workers.”
The Kinetic Sculpture Parade begins at 10 AM on Meeting Street from 9th Street to State Street. The adult soap box derby racing begins at 11 AM on Meeting Street. Adults have two race categories, Art Cars and Need For Speed. Children ages 8 to 17 will race on State Street. Authentic vintage race cars will be available for the younger children to race on State Street.
The Jasper Project is organizing an artisan village along State Street with interactive stations, public art, live music, and performers. The Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands is creating the “Kids’ Area” with science stations and soapbox racing. For more information and registration visit www.kineticderbyday.com.
About the City
The City of West Columbia is situated along eight miles of the beautiful lower Saluda and Congaree Rivers. Known for being friendly, welcoming and affordable, the city also has top-level schools and a myriad of dining and shopping options, as well as exemplary health care options that are within a three-mile radius. The area is ideal for commerce, thanks to its business-friendly attitude, low taxes and utility rates. The City is concentrating on economic development and is eager to attract business start-ups and/or relocations. Additionally, major interstates, highways, the airport, and Columbia are just minutes away. When it comes to recreation, West Columbia offers kayaking, canoeing, tubing, parks, waterfront concerts, 8.5 miles of walking and biking trails, and much more, including access to the renowned Riverbanks Zoo, Botanical Gardens, and Waterfall Junction. More information is available at www.westcolumbiasc.gov.
