By Chris Gomez | Little Italy News

Soapbox cars will soon be racing through Little Italy

The students of Washington Elementary’s S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Magnet School are racing down State Street in Little Italy for the second annual Van Go! S.T.E.A.M. Festival, coming up Saturday, June 11 from noon – 6 p.m.

Our local neighborhood students are combining their skills of art and engineering to create soapbox cars to be raced at the festival. There will be soapbox cars designed like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Spiderman, a cannoli, mermaid and more!

Many local Little Italy businesses are coming together to sponsor the cars. The students have worked together with the sponsors and their teachers to build their rolling sculptures. We are inviting the community to come out to this FREE festival.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Van Go! S.T.E.A.M. Festival!

1. Family-friendly race: Along with the student race, this year’s 2016 Van Go! S.T.E.A.M. Festival will include the “anything goes” race for adult entrants. In this race, adults will be able to design and create their own soapbox cars and race them against other entrants to join in on the fun.
2. Live musical and visual arts performances: The festival will host an array of live performers from a professional band and opera singer to a children’s song-and-dance recital throughout the event.
3. Student fine art exhibit: Students and local artists can submit their work to be entered in an art contest. Winners will be awarded first, second and third place ribbons in each category and gift cards will be awarded for best of show and honorable mention to college and local artist winners.
4. Food, beer and wine garden: There will be multiple food options and drink options for guests to enjoy!
5. Local Little Italy vendors: Vendors will be set up from all over the neighborhood — featuring home décor, clothing, art, toys, crafts, and gifts for attendees to shop!

All profits made at the second annual Van Go! Festival will benefit the Washington Elementary S.T.E.A.M. Magnet School. To find out more information about the event and the S.T.E.A.M. program, please visit sdvango.org.

To stay connected with us during the community event, check out what’s going on in our neighborhood by following us on Instagram and Twitter @LittleItalySD and Facebook/San Diego Little Italy.

—Christopher Gomez has been Little Italy’s district manager since 2000. Reach him at [email protected].