The Kinetic Sculpture Race returned to the streets of Baltimore this weekend for its 25th year. The event, hosted by the American Visionary Arts Museum, features human-powered contraptions competing in a 15-mile course through the city. This year, 29 teams attempted to navigate their creations across the finish line.
The course took them through downtown Baltimore, the water in Canton, and the sand and mud in Patterson Park. Fifi, the massive pink dog sculpture, has become the iconic mascot of the event. “She just brings a little bit of joy to everybody and every street that she rides down,” said Melissa Mauro, who oversees membership at the American Visionary Arts Museum.
Another race favorite is Tick Tock the Croc, a Peter Pan-inspired crocodile that requires six riders to maneuver. “I don’t know if we will do well in the race this weekend, but doing well in this race is about coming in the middle for mediocrity, so we might be mediocre enough to get there,” joked Locchanan Sreeharikesan, captain of Tick Tock the Croc.
Kinetic race celebrates Baltimore creativity
This year’s race was missing part of its heart. The former captain of the croc, Mike Oh, died in January, and longtime judge and arts advocate Kim Domanski passed away in March. Both will be remembered on Saturday.
The event took place rain or shine, with the opening ceremony starting at 9 a.m., followed by the race at 10 a.m. The Kinetic Sculpture Race is a celebration of Baltimore’s quirkiness and community spirit. “This is what it means to be Baltimore,” said Barbee, one of the race’s Kinetic Chickens, a group that helps tally the votes for prizes. “It’s so Baltimore and Baltimore deserves this.”
The excitement was palpable, with a mass of bright colors, great costumes, and an amazing crowd coming together to celebrate creativity and community.
“It makes me love Baltimore even more,” said Ava Mueller, another Kinetic Chicken. “It makes me proud to be from Baltimore.”
The Kinetic Sculpture Race, a beloved Baltimore tradition, once again brought creativity, community, and plenty of mud to the city’s streets, marking 25 years of innovative and whimsical racing.
