13th
Annual Soapbox Derby
KINGSTON
- A mostly bizarre combination of traditional soapbox derby and
kinetic sculpture competition, the Annual Artists’ Soapbox
Derby has become one of the most beloved new traditions in Kingston.
Started in 1995 to encourage community participation in the arts,
it’s grown into a big event, drawing up to 7,000 people to
the Rondout last year. Judging is based on a combination of creativity
and engineering, and over $2000 in cash prizes are awarded. Opening
procession will feature puppeteer Mark Alexander with his Mortal
Beasts & Deities troupe. Also performing are the Energy Dance
Group, Trio Loco, and a demonstration of the new Flybar 1200. The
derby is sponsored by Donskoj & Co., and the City of Kingston,
whose Mayor James Sottile has publicly vowed to bring back the coveted
Mayor’s Cup back to Kingston’s City Hall “where
it belongs.” The current Cup holder, Saugerties Mayor Robert
Yerick might have something to say about that.
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