Artists’ Soapbox Derby

What is one can’t miss event in August in the Hudson Valley? Which event is family friendly and requires a little creative ingenuity? It is the Artist’s Soapbox Derby in Kingston, New York.

This event goes on every August in Kingston, NY. An exception was last year because of COVID. The events starts at the ASK Gallery on lower Broadway in downtown Kingston and ends near the end of the street at the bottom of the hill. This year it kicked off around 1:00 with a band marching down the street. When the event was ready, the first cars started down the street one at a time.

The Artists’ Soapbox Derby is not about speed, but creativity. There are many different categories cars are judged on. Besides winning a unique trophy, participants won cash and/or gift certificates to businesses.

This event draws a crowd, so if you go next year make sure you arrive early to get a parking space and a good location street-side to view. There are variety of restaurants on the streets around this event in this area of Kingston. The event ends within a stone’s throw to the marinas on the Rondout Creek. The creek empties into the Hudson River. Some people arrive by boat to view this event, and there is a nice walking path next to the creek. In addition, there is a farmer’s market going on during this event behind where the judging took place.

Put this on your calendar for next year. You will not regret it. Are you creative? Build a car to enter into the next event. Stay safe and stay creative!

For more information: https://kingstonartistsoapboxderby.com/about-the-event/. or https://www.facebook.com/KingstonArtistSoapBoxDerby/