SOAPBOX DERBY RETURNS
Providing more entertainment among organizers’ goals for Aug. 20 event
KINGSTON, N.Y. » For the 22nd year, the Kingston Artist Soap Box Derby will show off a parade of non-motorized, kinetic sculptures down lower Broadway to the city’s waterfront this summer.
The derby is scheduled to take place Aug. 20, starting at about noon. Spectators are expected to show up earlier to watch derby entries line up along Broadway between West Union and Spring streets.
“The Kingston Artist Soapbox Derby brings thousands of spectators to the area to experience a day of art, entertainment, and good clean fun,” a press release said. “The dazzling, unique, and often wacky original vehicles roll down the hill one-by-one, under their own gravity power, to be judged for excellence and creativity (by a panel of judges and the public).”
The event concludes with an
awards ceremony, where the soapbox creators receive prizes (including one-of-a-kind trophies) and spectators become part of the experience at the soapbox “Car Show” on the West Strand.
Organizers Sarah Olivieri and Sarah Bissonette-Adler said in a joint statement that they have set a goal of increasing the participation of artists and adding entertainment to the event.
“This year our primary focus is to bring more artists to the Derby as active participants, plus improve the experience for spectators with more entertainment at the ‘Derby Car Show’ after entries complete their runs.”
The press release pointed out the lasting impression the event makes.
“The Kingston Artist Soapbox Derby is a truly unique family-friendly event that highlights Kingston’s vibrant arts community by drawing entrants and spectators from far and wide,” the release said. “Beyond the day of the event, the Derby encourages local community organizations to join in the fun and build a soapbox car as a team.
For more information about the event, visit http://kingstonartistsoapboxderby.com/ or call Olivieri at (845) 594-8041.