Port Townsend celebrates 35 years of kinetic sculpture racing Oct. 7-8 with “Kinetic Goes Kosmik!” – the theme of this year’s race.

Kinetic racing began in Humboldt County, California, more than 49 years ago as a pedal-powered race down the main street of Ferndale. Today, there are 17 national races and five international races.

The two-day event in Port Townsend includes a water race on Saturday, and an altered street, sand and mud course on Sunday.

A kinetic “skulpture” is a human-powered, artistically enhanced vehicle that must go through sand and mud, float on water and be driven on streets.

Awards are given to all racers, whether they want them or not, with the most highly prized award being the “Mediocrity Award” for the entrant that finishes in the middle of the pack.

In keeping with the theme, everything that can be spelled with the letter “c” is often spelled with the letter “k.” Space-themed “kostumes” are encouraged this year from both “kontestants and spektators,” said event organizers.

No crew members may operate under the influence, said organizers, and all those watching the parade must stay clear of the parade path. Kinetic kops will help maintain safety.

“The fun thing about kinetics is all the silliness and the kreativity,” writes Janet Emery, the event's High Priestess and President for Life. “But the koolest thing is that the krowd always gets their kinetic spirit on. We see kids dressed up according to theme and literally dragging their parents along to ‘oohhh and ahhhh’ over the skulptures. It’s a great family event!”

The event starts with a “wannabe” parade at noon on Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. in the U.S. Bank parking lot. No political or religious messages or advertising are allowed.

After the parade, racers participate in a brake and flotation test. Entrants show off their flotation and propulsion through the water with a dive into the bay at the Salmon Club by the Northwest Maritime Center.

The Rosehips Kween Koronation Ball is an over-21 event that begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday evening at the American Legion Hall, 209 Monroe St. Kween Kontestants vie for the Rosehips Krown at about 9:30 p.m., with the “koronation” at 11 p.m. Cameras and video equipment are not allowed at the ball.

On Sunday, the street, sand and mud portions of the race take place, from Water Street to Fort Worden to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds to Safeway and back downtown.

To register for the race, volunteer or to be a candidate for the Rose Hips Ball Kween, contact Emery at 360-301-0376.