Port Townsend 27th Annual Kinetic Skulpture Race
This event 10 years ago was one of my first clues about this kinky, funky little town, unlike any other! . No one had prepared me for the antics I was about to encounter, from the racers themselves, the event organizers, the Kinetic Kops and most of the towns people dressed in the strangest and most original costumes I had ever seen.
The race entrants must design and build a contraption, called Kinetic Sculptures, that will run on pavement, water and through mud bogs. They range from sophisticated and large to a bicycle enclosed in a banana shaped cover on pontoons or innertubes, and are run by teams in costumes that range from clever to twisted. Even more amazing are the spectators, dressed in whatever strikes them, the crazier the better. There will be 15 entries this year.
Events are non stop beginning Saturday with the Wannabe Parade down Water Street, where all people in costume are welcome to march down the street to the sounds of the Port Townsend Peoples Band. Next, comes the downhill ride to test brakes, then the water trials through the bay to test for sea worthiness. This takes place in any kind of weather with the exception of white caps on the bay.
Saturday evening there is the Koronation Kostume Ball (The Rose Hips Ball) held at the American Legion (the main fundraiser for the event) There will be dancing to music by the Turner Brothers, and admission is $15.00 Kandidates for Kween go on stage at 9:30 dressed in their zaniest costume with the theme this year: Unbirthday Teaparty. Kandidates must tell a joke, perform a talent, and offer a recipe. The Kween and her court will reign over the main event on Sunday and carry that prestegious title till next year. No cameras allowed, as "what happens at the Rose Hips ball stays at The Rose Hips Ball!"
Sunday is the big race day, beginning at 10:30 am.when the Skulptures line up; presentations at 11 am. and race begins at low noon. 1:30 Kwicksand at Fort Worden, 2:30 Dismal Bog at the fairgrounds, 5:30 post race ceremony at Legion Hall.
Rules are:
- Mediocrity rules
- Bribes are expected
- Cheating helps
You know you have been here too long when all this seems very normal. Gotta run to get my costume ready!
LOVE the Rules! So what was your costume? This would have been fun to attend--but the powers that be decided that TODAY, October 3, would be a great time to have the annual Farm Tours; oh, yes, and the annual Solar Tour; and, for the first time, the Fiber Arts get together. Sandra, I do enjoy your local flavor postings.
Sherry, the costume comment was a joke! Ever since I moved here my sister and I have said "OK, next year we will dress up. " But I guess as much as I enjoy watching, it's just not in my schedule or priorities. If you have not seen this in a while, it is worth the trip over. It took my mind off RE for a few hours and it is very entertaining....people are so imaginitive and it is very child like. Will post some of my photos today.
What an interesting post. Sounds like an extremely fun event.
Debra, this is really fun and the people who are involved are so into it! Kind of a way never to have to grow up. Thanks for reading.