West Columbia announces road closuers for Kinetic Derby practice runs

West Columbia, SC 01/26/2022 - The City of West Columbia announced this week the Test Run Day for Kinetic Derby Day. The test run will be on Saturday, February 5, 2022, for the 3rd Annual Kinetic Derby Day scheduled for Saturday, April 23, 2022. Derby cars will have the opportunity to practice racing and testing out their cars, from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM. Helmets are required for all test racers. New in 2022, skateboarders are invited to “Bomb the Hill” from 9:30 AM - 10 AM, on Saturday, February 5, 2022. Skateboarders need to arrive by 9 AM. Helmets, knee and elbow pads, and closed-toe shoes are required.

On Saturday, April 23, 2022, the streets of West Columbia will be filled with art, soapbox racing, and an obstacle course with thousands of people gathering together for the third annual Kinetic Derby Day. The event spurs creative thinking, competition, and family fun as teams come together to build unusual vehicles and awe-inspiring art installations.

The day begins with soapbox cars taking over the massive hill on Meeting Street to race in adult and children divisions. After the traditional side-by-side soapbox race ends at noon, an obstacle course comes on to Meeting Street for more intense soapbox racing. Awards are given for the best art car, the fastest car, and the best wipeout.

​At the bottom of the hill, you’ll find a food truck rally and West Columbia’s Interactive Art Park hosting an artisan fairway. At the corner of Meeting Street and State Street, you can’t miss a Ferris wheel that will be sure to bring a crowd. On State Street, you’ll find a mini STEAM festival with interactive science fun and exhibition soapbox racing.

The mission of Kinetic Derby Day is to inspire creative problem solving, build community pride, and showcase our growing community ready for economic investment. The event is intended to inspire creative thinkers and help them develop problem-solving skills to construct the ideas they imagine. For more information and to register a team, visit www.kineticderbyday.com.

Road Closure Information

There will be temporary lane closings between N. Witt Street to Leaphart Street on Saturday, February 5, 2022, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, February 6, 2022)(See map).

Timeline

8 AM – Road Closed – N Witt Street to Leaphart Street

8:30 AM – Racers Test out Derby Cars

9 AM – Skateboarders Arrive at Brookland United Methodist Church Parking Lot

9:30 AM – 10 AM – Skateboarders Bomb the Hill

10 AM – Clear Roadway

11 AM – Meeting Street Open to Traffic

All test racers and skateboarders will be required to sign a waiver of liability, available in the parking lot of Brookland United Methodist Church. Parking is available at Brookland United Methodist.