Since 2007, the Kinetic Sculpture Derby has brought local artists and businesses together, strengthening the neighborhoods of Fishtown and Kensington.
For racer Chris Nappi, the event is an essential part of living in the area.
“We used to be patrons of this every year, and every year we were like ‘man, it would be so cool to be in that’. And then, three years ago, we were like, Why don’t we do it?” explained Nappi.
There’s so much beyond the sculptures and the race. Local vendors and artists surround the racetrack.
Students like Santiago Ortiz-Landazabal enjoy coming to the derby year after year.
“This place is like ten minutes away from Temple’s campus, so it’s so easy to come here. There’s food, there’s drinks. And it’s very simple, it’s just bikes going through mud,” described Ortiz-Landazabal.
Artists like Chris and Zack are racing into Fishtown to uplift North Philly neighborhoods through the derby.
“It’s special. To relax and have fun and be silly. This isn’t happening at the next town over, at the other city over,” emphasized Nappi and McKenna.
Derby and art festival organizer Steph Irwin, a Temple alum and Fishtown native, believes the character and talent of the derby’s neighborhood are on full display at the event.
“This is basically like a showcase of my entire neighborhood, our entire neighborhood, for all of Philly to see,” said Irwin.
Ultimately, the excitement of the attendees makes the 20,000 people feel like one big North Philly Family. Racers Chris and Zach believe the derby is an event worth visiting.
“Embrace your weirdness, embrace your creativity. Every year, there’s like under twenty sculptures, and it could be more” explained Nappi and McKenna.
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