West Columbia's Kinetic Derby Day is this weekend

West Columbia, SC 04/21/2025 – The City of West Columbia’s award-winning 6th Annual Kinetic Derby Day featuring iMAGINE is Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 11 AM to 3:30 PM, on State and Meeting Streets, in West Columbia, South Carolina. The Kinetic Sculpture Parade kicks off the day and will feature participants dressed to represent their favorite fantasy world (this year’s theme). The soapbox racing begins at 11:30 AM. Registration for racing and the parade is open until April 20, 2025. State Street transforms into the iMAGINE STEAM Festival, with interactive booths for the kids. The day includes competition and fun for all ages as teams construct unique vehicles and art installations. Register for the parade or the races, sponsor or volunteer at www.kineticderbyday.com. 

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Details

Kinetic Sculpture Parade – 11 AM – Meeting Street

Register to participate through April 20.

What is a Kinetic Sculpture?

It is a human-powered vehicle, gear-based with no stored energy, motors, or electricity, designed to reflect your interpretation of the yearly theme (2025 is Fantasy World). Bring your imagination to life and travel through the parade route in the heart of the River District in West Columbia. A panel of judges will award the most inventive entries with trophies in various categories. Your sculpture can travel as an individual or a team (a team can include multiple members on a pedal-powered sculpture with themed costumes or multiple escorts in costume riding or walking along with a sculpture that contains kinetic movement).

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iMAGINE STEAM Festival – State Street

Register to participate through April 20.

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. This dynamic street fair festival showcases hands-on learning exhibits provided by companies, schools, and nonprofits, all aimed at making STEAM subjects come alive for families. Explore interactive exhibits, conduct fun experiments, and get hands-on with the latest STEAM education. It is a unique opportunity for families to engage with the worlds of science, technology, art, engineering, and math in a fun and exciting way.

Soapbox Racing – 11:30 AM – Meeting Street

Experience the ultimate Kinetic Derby Day in West Columbia, SC, by participating in the soapbox derby races at 11:30 AM. Choose to build an art or a kit car and compete for exciting prizes while embracing the fantasy theme by dressing up as your favorite character. Enjoy an exhilarating soapbox race down a massive hill featuring outrageous vehicles like rocket ships and giant rubber ducks, reminiscent of the "Little Rascals." It's a day filled with skill, creativity, daring, and unforgettable experiences!

Over 20 vendors showcasing and selling handmade art, crafts, and creations.

Giant Slide, Ferris Wheel, Food Truck Rally, & Chalk Artists - Corner of Meeting and State Streets

FREE giant slide and Ferris wheel for all ages.

Multiple food trucks with a diverse selection to satisfy all appetites.

Multiple chalk artists create temporary art on the street. Interact with the artists as they finish their masterpieces.

For more details, volunteering, and team registration, visit www.kineticderbyday.com.