Kinetic Sculpture Derby parades through Kensington [photos]
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The Philadelphia Kinetic Sculpture Derby makes its way down Front Street in Kensington Saturday. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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Rob Leef rides down Norris Street in his Reptilikus costume. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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Scot Turner rides his Sorcerer's Apprentice float down Front Street. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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A Star Wars-themed vehicle makes its way down Front Street. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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Students from the Workshop School in West Philadelphia wait to restart the ride through Fishtown Saturday. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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The Deathmobile cruises Front Street in Kensington during the Philadelphia Kinetic Sculpture Derby. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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Riders in the Philadelphia Kinetic Sculpture Derby begin the parade around Fishtown and Kensington. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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The Hamm's-Sters team pedal their oversize Hamm's beer can through Fishtown. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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The H4ck3rs team steer their surveilance-themed float through Fishtown Saturday. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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Vendors line Trenton Avenue between Norris and Dauphin streets during the Philadelphia Kinetic Sculpture Derby. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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Participants gather for the start of the event Saturday afternoon in Fishtown. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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Participants gather for the start of the event Saturday afternoon in Fishtown. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
The Philadelphia Kinetic Sculpture Derby took to the streets of Fishtown and Kensington for the 11th iteration of the event featuring pedal-powered creations of varying shapes and sizes.
Beginning at the intersection of Trenton Avenue and Norris Street, the quirky display of decked-out bicycles made their way down side streets and major thoroughfares from Girard Avenue to Frankford Avenue to Front Street. Neighborhood residents paused to take in the unexpected sight of a 12-foot Micky Mouse or a Storm Trooper pedaling by.
Some used the ride as a form of slapstick performance art. The H4CK3RS team shouted “There’s nothing to see here,” and repeated slogans about spying and the Russians as they pedaled through the neighborhood.
Students from the the Workshop School in West Philadelphia were among the youngest participants, piloting their floats, “Toolbox” and “Workshop Brain.”
The festival attracts hundreds of spectators and vendors, who line Trenton Avenue with dozens of food trucks and a music stage.
Themes of this year’s floats ranged from Disney characters to reptile aliens and from Star Wars to government surveillance.
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