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West Columbia planners are already looking forward to next year’s Kinetic Derby Day.

“It was a great event to show off West Columbia on a beautiful day,” said West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton.

West Columbia events manager Kelli Ricard agreed.

“The City of West Columbia’s inaugural Kinetic Derby Day event was a success,” said Ricard.

“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 Kinetic 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.

“All of the entries brought families and friends together to build and create amazing sculptures, and lightening fast soap box cars and art cars,” Ricard 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.”

At the May 1 West Columbia City Council meeting, the event’s planning committee received trophies. Recognized were Mark Plessinger, Cat Christian, Barry Wheeler, Brad Giles, Crystal Aldamuy, Steve Cohen, Wyatt Coleman and Steve Varholy.