16th ANNUAL KINGSTON ARTISTS’ SOAPBOX DERBY STARTS ROLLING

Sunday, August 22, 2010 will mark the sixteenth running of the Kingston Artists’ Soapbox Derby. This eclectic event started out with just a few entries in 1995 and has turned into a full-blown artistic experience that attracts thousands of people to Kingston and introduces many to the Mid-Hudson Valley. The Kingston Artists’ Soapbox Derby has become an end of summer ritual for an increasingly growing number of entrants and spectators.
Entries are judged on creativity and engineering in Adult, Youth, and Family/Group category. Trophies, gift certificates, and other fun stuff will be awarded as well. Some of the more notorious awards include the Rondout Reject Award (aka the Horse’s Ass Award), and the People’s Choice Award. The goal is to have no entrant leave empty handed.
Local luminaries, Studio Stu and David Haight will provide entertaining color commentary and, for the first time ever, the spectators will be able to hear their announcements, musical discourses and comic relief the entire length of the course. Bring your radios and tune in to 102.5 FM
After the last entry makes its way down the hill, follow the Energy Dance Group to the staging area where they and gypsy band Admiral Silverstein’s Red Lantern will keep the crowd entertained while waiting for the results to be announced at the Awards Ceremony. This year’s judges are from the Surprenant Art & Design Gallery in Uptown Kingston. Entrants will get a second chance at fame as spectators are invited to cast their vote in the People’s Choice Award, this year sponsored and tabulated by Second Chance 4 Me, a company whose mission is to create and develop sustainable jobs in performing arts and media in Kingston and beyond, located at Seven 21 Media Center.
A special treat this year, in keeping with the spirit of this energy efficient gravity powered event, the SUNY New Paltz Solar Car team and the SUNY Hawk will be on view.
The Kingston Artists’ Soapbox Derby is sponsored by WKZE 98.1, Chronogram, VanKleeck Tires, Anaconda Sports, R & F Handmade paints, Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Big Guy Media, Time Warner and Friends of Kevin Cahill for Assembly. For more information or to register, visit www.artistsoapboxderby.com or call 845.339.2996.

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photo credit: Nancy Donskoj