PORT TOWNSEND — The human genius of oodball vessel design once again rules Port Townsend land and water this weekend.
The Kinetic Skulpture Race is on today.
A annual celebration of artistic and innovative engineering continues to attract thousands of residents and visitors fond of unabashed thrills, blatant goofiness and endless imagination.
The main event has already been preceded by a Saturday Kinetic Parade, a flotation test — and a Koronation Kostume Ball, attended by scores of racers, sculptures and wanna-be participants.
The pre-race activity begins at 10:30 a.m. today after crews line up their amphibious Kinetic Skulpture creations at the City Hall, corner of Water and Madison streets.
Then the race begins at a time organizers call Low Noon.
Powered by humans, Kinetic Skulptures must race through mud, sand and roads — and float on water.
Racers cover most of Port Townsend land and water, including downtown, Fort Worden State Park and Port Townsend Bay.
The zany race is expected to last all day until about 5 p.m., followed by a Survivors Post Party at the American Legion Hall, 209 Monroe St.
As a race peak moment, the highly priced Mediocrity Award is given to the racer who finishes in the middle of the pack.
