Pioneer Millworks is Sponsoring the Dropbox Derby, Portland, Oregon’s Largest Design-Build Competition

Portland, Oregon (August 9, 2018)—Pioneer Millworks is sponsoring Lovett Deconstruction’s 2nd Annual Dropbox Derby this Labor Day, September 3, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The design-build competition will take place at the Eastbank Esplanade (between SE Salmon and Madison) in Portland. Each year, 24 hours in advance of the competition, the year’s theme is announced to teams including a list of salvaged materials the teams will be tasked with using in their designs. An array of food and festivities will be available as the audience watches the teams in action and bids on the final creations in a silent auction.

“We’re very excited that the proceeds from this year’s auction will go to the Oregon Tradeswomen Inc. (OTI), an organization dedicated to women in the trades,” said Stephen Reichard of Lovett Deconstruction. “The Dropbox Derby celebrates sustainability and design in a friendly, fun and quintessentially Portland atmosphere.”

Over 20 teams of artists, makers, builders, contractors and designers are challenged to design and build a project based on the year’s theme using salvaged building materials. They have just 4 hours to complete their projects. The teams will be awarded trophies for outstanding design and use of materials, with winners selected by a distinguished panel of judges.

Pioneer Millworks is a leader in the reclaimed and sustainable wood industry and will be showcasing their products at the Derby expo along with their sister company, New Energy Works. “At Pioneer Millworks we live by the re-use of materials and believe in the importance of community. We’re looking forward to experiencing the Derby and its creations,” shared Jonathan Orpin, founder of Pioneer Millworks. “This is a great opportunity for makers and other community members to come together for a bit of fun, learning and creativity, and to support local businesses, as well as women in the trades.”

The event will feature live music including Los Palmeros, Ukeladies and The Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers. Food will be provided by Spicy Spoon, Aybla Mediterranean Grill and 50 Licks Ice Cream. Beverages will be provided by Cider Riot, StormBreaker Brewing and Portland Roasting Coffee. In addition to the primary sponsor, Pioneer Millworks, sponsors include the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Heiberg Garbage and Recycling and Salvage Works. 

• 10:00 a.m. – Competition begins
• 2:00 p.m. – Competition ends/judging begins
• 3:00 p.m. – Judging ends/awards given/auction begins
• 4:30 p.m. – Auction ends
• 6:00 p.m. – Event ends