After the first Kinetic Derby Day in West Columbia, planners are looking forward to next year’s event.
“It was a great event to show off West Columbia on a beautiful day,” said West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton.
Kelli Ricard, West Coilumbia events manager, agrees.
“The City of West Columbia’s inaugural Kinetic Derby Day event was a success,” said Ricard. “We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day.” In its first year, 1,000-1,200 people attended. And plans have begun for the next one.
“We have already received $10,000 in funding from Lexington County Accommodations Tax,” Ricard said, “Everyone we have spoken to along the way is very excited about next year’s event. The teachers and schools are planning on challenging each other. People are already excited and planning their build (of Kinetic Derby craft) for 2019.”
Ricard said Kinetetic Derby Day participants came from Columbia, Cayce, Lexington, Gaston, Gilbert, Monks Corner, Branchville, Goose Creek, Dacusville, and Augusta, GA. There were 60 participants, broken down into 19 kinetic sculpture entries, and 41 soap box derby entries.
Ricard said the festival and the events accomplished the goal that was intended.
“All of the entries brought families and friends together to build and create amazing sculptures, and lightening fast soap box cars and art cars,” she said. “Kinetic Derby Day brought people in from out of town, but more importantly, it brought people together, creating memories of a fun day in West Columbia.”
For Kinetic Derby Day to be successful, the planning began many months before the big day. Several meetings were held by the Kinetic Derby Day planning committee. Committee members were honored for all their hard work at Tuesday’s West Columbia City Council meeting, with trophies created by Justin Vorhis.
Recognized were: Mark Plessinger and Cat Christian from Frame of Mind. Mark brought the idea of the kinetic sculpture parade to the city, and both Mark and Cat were instrumental in creating and marketing this event. Barry Wheeler of the Jasper Project managed the Arts Fairway. Brad Giles of the Lexington District Two School Board helped schools to Kinetic Derby Day; Crystal Aldamuy of the Boys and Girls Club – with staff created the Kids’ Area; Steve Cohen, spent large amounts of his time volunteering for the City of West Columbia; Wyatt Coleman – worked events and drove to Ohio to pick up the authentic soap box derby cars that were in the kids’ area; and Steve Varholy of WXRY 99.3 FM called the derby events and volunteered his time and air time to promote Kinetic Derby Day.
Ricard also thanked Anna Huffman, the city’s Director of Information Technology/PIO, Capt. John Norman, Public Works Director Jamie Hook, and Parks Superintendent and Events Steven Williams, along with Asst. Police Chief Scott Morrison, Fire Chief Chris Smith, and Maintenance Superintendent Larry Hall, and city staff.
Gosnell and Company also helped plan Kinectic Derby Day, and Ricard thanked them, too.
Sponsors included: House of Raeford, Columbia Flag and Sign Company, Adluh, AFLAC, First Community Bank, Mooneyhan’s Auto Service, Ricky’s Tire & Auto, Roe Young State Farm, Thompson’s Funeral Home, June Moons Photo & Design, Nephron, NAI Avant – Kelly & Chambers, KW Beverage, Something Borrowed, Home Concepts Too, Setzler and Scott, and Guignard Neighborhood Association.
Ricard said Kinetic Derby Day was a complete community event, that was “overwhelmingly positive,” and gave West Columbia a chance to shine, in hopes of drawing more people to the wonderful things the city is offering.
“It is our intention to make Kinetic Derby Day a signature event for West Columbia,” said Ricard, “and to create a regional draw. We have had numerous people tell us they are excited about the event, and already looking forward to next year. We hope to increase next year’s attendance and participation with the help of word-of-mouth recommendations. We want everyone to #showusyourgrit
Full story: http://westmetronews.net/west-columbia-kinetic-derby-day-big-success-planners-already-looking-next-year/
