10/4/2006 11:43:00 AM Kinetics playtime has 'Follywood' theme
Kinetic skulptures and kostumed krazies are in Port Townsend this weekend for the 24th Great Port Townsend Bay Kinetic Skulpture Race. – Leader file photo by Barney Burke
Glamorous, trendy and chic people (with a klever Kinetic twist, naturally) are encouraged to attend and participate in this weekend's 24th annual Great Port Townsend Bay Kinetic Skulpture Race. The kostumed theme is "Follywood."
For newcomers to Port Townsend and Jefferson County, the Kinetic festival is unlike most anything you've ever seen. Imagine Halloween on steroids.
For those folks who have been around for past events, you know what is expected: kolorful kostumes, bribes for Kinetic Kops, and plenty of frivolity with the ultimate goal of mediocrity.
"It's a time to play," says Janet Emery, Kinetic High Priestess for Life. "We don't take ourselves too seriously."
Anywhere from 15 to 20 skulptures of varying sizes and professionalism are expected for the race. They range from hometown favorite Ray Grier's duct tape special to actual engineering marvels.
Some skulptures still need volunteer krew to do some of the dirty work - like pedal, push or pull through the Dismal Bog.
"There are some really super nice skulptures that want to play and need a krew," Emery says.
Register your skulpture by calling Emery, 379-4972, or visit her Kinetic Koffee Kompany on Kearney Street in Port Townsend.
Kinetic skulptures must be human-powered and kapable of traversing paved roads, navigating Port Townsend Bay from Tyler Street beach to Monroe Street, the Kwicksand at Fort Worden State Park beach, and the glorious Dismal Bog mud pit at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
Kheck the map published here for the route; "kheckpoints" are where all skulptures form up before departing. There will be traffic delays along the way.
While there are prizes, the highest honor goes to the skulpture that finishes in the middle of the pack.
Komic attire is recommended, but safety first: No Kinetic krew members may operate under the influence, and all spectators (especially bicyclists and dogs) must stay klear of skulptures in motion. Please obey the Kinetic Kops in their efforts to keep the kourse safe!
Kinetic activities begin Friday evening, Oct. 6, with a gathering at Port Townsend Brewery. On Saturday, Oct. 7 at noon, the Wanna Be Parade starts at the U.S. Bank parking lot and proceeds along Water Street to Monroe Street.
Following the parade, the skulpture float test takes place off the salmon club boat ramp, or if it's nasty weather, it takes place inside the Hudson Point Marina. Volunteer safety patrol boats - the Kinetic Navy - are still needed. The Monroe Street hill is used to test each skulpture's brakes.
Last year was the first year that windy weather forced the float test to be staged in the Fort Worden State Park boat haven.
Kween candidates
The Rose Hips Ball - the Kinetic program's main fundraiser - starts at 8 p.m. Saturday Oct. 7 at the American Legion Hall, corner of Water and Monroe streets downtown. The music is by Spin Cycle (Quilcene native Jeff Wittekind on lead guitar and vocals, with Jennifer Ricco, Barbara Billingsley and Johnny Colorado), returning from last year's show. Admission is $10. Kinetic kostumes are encouraged but not required. The band offers a lot of on-stage movement, comedy and great dance music. Port Townsend is the band's favorite music town.
Rose Hips Kween kandidates are welcome. Applications are taken until noon Saturday at Kinetic Koffee. Kandidates on Saturday night must tell a joke, perform a talent and offer a recipe. Anyone age 21 or over may apply. The Kween and her kourt reign over Sunday's main event.
On Sunday, Oct. 7, the skulptures line up in front of City Hall at Low Noon to start their afternoon odyssey: water kourse first followed by kwicksand and the Dismal Bog. The adventure ends about 5:30 p.m. downtown.
New this year, Kinetics has booked a bus to transport fans from site to site.
Returning this year is a stop at San Juan and Cedar (near Blue Heron Middle School) to pay homage to a statue of a rooster. The offishal Kinetic mascot is a Kosmic Khicken, so now this statue is part of the kourse.
The nonprofit Kinetic program survives on the generosity of local merchants through gifts used as prizes, and cash donations to help pay the bills. Kinetics is awarding "Kinetic Stars" for businesses to display as a badge of honor.
For "the rest of the story" and full coverage of all Port Townsend and Jefferson County news, events and people, subscribe to our award-winning weekly newspaper.
