Kingston Artists' Soapbox Derby Celebrates Local Talent

A Celebration of Creativity and Community

The 30th anniversary of the Kingston Artists Soapbox Derby brought a vibrant display of creativity to the Rondout area on Sunday, August 17. Thousands gathered to witness the imaginative works of local artists, families, and community organizations. The event featured a procession of 20 cars that raced down Broadway starting at 1 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony recognizing top entries in three categories: individual, family, and community groups. Attendees also had the chance to vote for the People’s Choice Award.

This year’s theme showcased a wide range of designs, from traditional soapbox-style cars to more unconventional and artistic creations. Many entries drew inspiration from pop culture, with several featuring recognizable characters and stories. One entry, “No Face,” inspired by the character from Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, took third place in the Family category. Another, “Mecha Charizard,” a robotic take on the Pokémon Charizard, claimed second place in the Family category and also won the People’s Choice Award.

“Kindling Rides Again” was the first-place winner in the Family category, while the Individual category saw “Roadster 57” take first place, followed by “It’s A Jungle” in second and “Midtown Peacock” in third. The latter was created by Kingston artist Ramona Cat, a veteran of the derby. Cat described her inspiration for the peacock design as something that would “flow in the wind and catch the eyes.” She mentioned that even during a test run on Greenkill Avenue, people were stopping to admire the creation.

Community Organizations Shine

Local businesses and organizations also made a strong impression this year. The Ulster County Italian American Foundation placed third in the Community category with a creative entry featuring members dressed as angels alongside a giant cannoli. Their design played on the phrase “Holy Cannoli,” adding a humorous twist to their presentation.

The Hudson River Maritime Museum took second place in the Community category, showcasing a giant Atlantic sturgeon. Meanwhile, Keegan Ales won first prize in the Community category with their entry titled “Swatted Lanternfly.” This unique piece featured a giant spotted lanternfly, an invasive species, along with oversized fly swatters and a sandal, highlighting environmental awareness through art.

Another standout entry came from the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History, which presented a giant challah bread dubbed “Braided Thunder.” Kira Manso Brown, the center’s executive director, explained the inspiration behind the design. “The Reher family ran a bakery at the top of the hill on Broadway where the starting line is,” she said. “They ran that bakery for nearly a century. Now we are a historic site and museum that tells the story of the Rondout neighborhood, that talks about immigrant contributions in Kingston, past and present.”

Manso Brown shared how the crowd responded positively to the creation. “For me, it was really fun when we went down the hill. Someone yelled, ‘Challah,’ ‘Challah at you,’ she said. “It was warm. It felt like people were responding well, and it was just a nice moment.”

She expressed her hope to continue participating in future events. “This is the third year that the Reher Center has participated, and we’re so glad we did,” she said. “We hope to definitely be in it next year.”

A Legacy of Art and Innovation

The Kingston Artists Soapbox Derby continues to be a beloved event that celebrates both artistry and community spirit. From the intricate designs of individual creators to the collaborative efforts of local organizations, the derby highlights the creativity and cultural richness of the Kingston area. As the event approaches its 30th anniversary, it remains a testament to the power of imagination and the importance of bringing people together through art.