The Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby is not
so much a race as it is a Mummers-style celebration of art, design, sustainability
and human-powered transit. It is also something of a contest, although not exactly a race; awards are given for Best Art, Best Costume, Best Engineering, People's Choice, 2nd to Last and
Best Breakdown.
The New Kensington Community Development Corporation, a group dedicated to revitalizing Philadelphia's Fishtown, Port Richmond and East Kensington neighborhoods, began the derby in 2007 as an economic development initiative.
Last week, artists, cyclists and curious
onlookers gathered for the parade-style derby and were treated to a
visual feast of bizarre bicycle- and hand crank-powered contraptions. Unable to resist a bizarre spectacle, Keystone Edge was there to document the festivities.