The Kinetic Grand Championship began on Saturday as teams competed for their spot in the art world’s triathlon, kicking off with parades and safety inspections.
Before embarking on the 50-mile adventure through sand, terrain, and water, the pilots checked the brakes to demonstrate to Kinetic Festival volunteers that their creations were prepared for the trip. Participants then marched with themed costumes and presented to the judges all the intricate details of their human-driven contraptions.
Slammin Salmon and the Caddisflies mentioned that they collected more than 300 plant-based milk cartons from cafes in Eureka and Arcata, repurposing them into fish decorations for their installation. They expressed feeling particularly anxious about navigating the water crossings.
“This team hasn’t managed water successfully before. Last year, we almost drowned, so our dramatic moment will involve going back into the water. But we believe we can do it,” stated Joan Carpenter.
“Our revival year has arrived,” stated Anthony Vanhook. “The salmon will guide us through the waters.”
Several other groups within the plaza also honored fish with their displays, featuring a massive brown trout, an anglerfish, Slammin’ Salmon, as well as tributes to caddisflies and the Sardine Dream.
Teams came from all around to distribute small gifts and stickers to spectators gathered at the Arcata Plaza, hoping for a share of triumph. They also attempted to influence the judges through various displays, as the prize for best presentation was up for grabs.
Reno Cowsino, operated by a trio, featured a completely operational slot machine.
Joel Clark mentioned that this slot machine was constructed using foam, motors, and an Arduino, which is open-source hardware and software. The artwork symbolizes Clark and his spouse’s home state of Nevada, with themes drawn from Reno’s Silver Legacy Hotel and the former MGM Grand.
“He mentioned on Saturday morning that nobody has hit the jackpot yet, but it will eventually happen,” referring to an opportunity to win stickers, sweets, and various incentives.
Darren Droge, who was at the controls of Barbie’s Muffin Top and distributing muffins, mentioned this as his fourth attempt focused solely on achieving high speeds.
“But before we knew it, come Monday, I was heading back to Denver and it had all ended,” he stated.
He plans to savor every moment and proceed at a leisurely pace this year, with the goal of being the final one to complete it.
This year, he attached a heavy camper, and he’s feeling somewhat anxious about it.
“Barbie needs to shed 20 pounds, or we have to reduce the weight of this vehicle by 20 pounds,” he remarked, tapping his stomach. Droge admitted being hooked on winning championships, mentioning that a different high-energy race held in Colorado doesn’t exceed three hours in duration.
Two slot machines featuring Dolly Parton on the outdoor area had people distributing baklava, the sweet treat.
Constance Titterton mentioned that the group includes individuals from local areas, extending from Santa Cruz to Berkeley and even Australia. She stated that their creative drive came from drawing inspiration from the renowned singer-songwriter.
“There once existed only death, despair, and darkness in the world until a single Spartan decided to stand out, clad not in their usual monochrome but rather in a multicolored coat. She illuminated the world much like a butterfly does with her wings, introducing music and dancing to all Spartans. Hence, our statue portrays this large butterfly as a representation of Dolly Parton,” explained Titterton, adding that the butterfly emblem would guide them to Ferndale.”
Led by kinetic maestro Ken Beidleman, Team 420 is going above and beyond to support Grandma as they navigate the art installation known as Hookers and Ladders.
“Social Security isn’t what it used to be,” observed Melissa Reed. The grandmother is connected to a firefighter’s pole.
David Palin, who hails from Redding and is part of the team, mentions that this year they are stepping up their game—aiming for spectacle (including having all 12 members wear large firefighters’ hats) as well as striving for the prestigious ACE title. Reed noted that they have been practicing on both the dunes and hills.
One striking piece was an airline crash-themed sculpture intended as a warning about the risks associated with air travel. However, this artwork focused more on the hypothetical death of penguins due to CO2 emissions rather than direct safety concerns.
“A pilot recommended, ‘If you’re going to risk your life traveling, do so by car,’” he said.
Sage Alexander can be contacted at 707-441-0504.
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