Long Live Boulder Kinetics!

The following information was recently posted on the kineticists.org website:

30th Anniversary Kineticists Challenge and Exhibition
June 13, 2009 — Time: 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Millennium Harvest House Hotel
1345 28th St., Boulder, Colorado (map)

News Media Contact:
Charmaine Getz
(303) 447-8578
press@kineticists.org
Hotel Event Contact:
Karen Meyer
(303) 757-6718

Boulder-based Kineticists.org is pleased to announce their 30th anniversary event will take place as a fund-raiser for Boulder-Broomfield County Foster Adoptive Family Association (www.bbffa.org). The hope is to surpass last year’s fund-raiser take for BBFFA of $1200.

In addition to Kinetic sculptures that will be put through various tests of skill, there will be a contest for decorated bicycles and costumed riders. Bicyclists of all ages are invited to participate, with 100% of their registration fee going to charity.

There also will be an exhibition of Kinetic sculptures the evening prior, on June 12, also at Millennium Harvest House, during the hotel’s Rockin’ the Garden Free Summer Concert Series from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. featuring the Blue Canyon Boys.

Kineticists celebrate hand-made, human-powered mobile sculptures. These vehicles are made of recyclables, rescued junk, craft materials, gears, humor and imagination. They are then put through various fun-filled trials.

While known for large events held at Boulder Reservoir, in recent years Kineticists have partnered with a sponsor, Boulder Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCI Boulder) for more family-friendly charity fund-raisers.

When and where is the 2009 Kinetics Race going to be held?  That is a very good question.  The organization is still trying to recover from losing the support of KBCO, from both a financial and logistical standpoint.  She was our sugar mama– and she packed her bags, canceled our credit card, and it doesn’t look like she is coming back.

So a group of dedicated Kineticists have been working to keep the tradition alive, even though it is on life support.  Anyone interested in providing any kind of assistance should check out the website at kineticists.org.

At this moment, there is no new information about the next public event. 

This site is set up for RSS feeds, so the best way to keep informed is to 1) learn what an RSS feed is if you don’t know already, 2) keep an eye out for new posts on this site, and 5) keep your spirits up.  There are still thousands of crazy people out there who want this to happen, we just need to get our act together!

Thanks to the efforts of several dedicated individuals, the 2008 Kinetics Parade has been finalized. There are no tickets to buy– this is a FREE EVENT.

The 29th Annual Boulder Kinetics Trials, Exhibit, and Parade
at
The 29th Street Mall, Boulder, Colorado (map)
on
Saturday, May 3, 2008

9:00 A.M. Trials in the Northeast Lot
11:00 A.M. Exhibit in the Center of the Mall
NOON Parade on 29th Street Loop
1:30 P.M. Awards Ceremony at Macy’s Plaza

Kinetics teams who would like to sign up for the event, along with anyone else interested in participating in the events can find more information at Kineticists.org

A group of dedicated kineticists have confirmed plans for a 2008 Kinetics parade despite the recent pullout of KBCO’s support.  The event is to take place at the 29th Street Shopping Center at 9 A.M. with the parade itself starting at 11 A.M. on May 3, 2008.  For more detailed information, read the Daily Camera story or check out the website at kineticists.org.

I’ve been pretty bummed out that KBCO/Clear Channel has, for now, decided not to hold a Kinetics Race in 2008 due to rising costs and declining attendance. Here are a few ideas I’ve come up with that I think could help the Kinetics cause.

1. Move the race from the first Saturday in May to the last Saturday in August. It can be very cold in the beginning of May. It can snow in the beginning of May. All of the CU students are (possibly) studying for finals. August is much warmer, and if it was held the Saturday after classes started, many more CU students would join in the fun.

2. Revamp the awards. Let the general population vote on their favorite teams in person and on the Internet. Have a “Best Ringer” award– the team that convinces the most famous person to be on their team wins the award.

3. Include other radio stations. Each team can pledge their team to a radio station, and the station with the most teams that finish the race wins an award.

Just to remind everyone– I just run this website, I’m not in any way connected with anyone who knows what is going on with the race. I just keep my ears open for new news, and, when I feel the urge, contribute my opinion on the situation.

Omar Lutfey

Paul Bailey, webmaster of the discussion board AWAKE (Associated Wayfarers And Kinetics Enthusiasts) reports a meeting to discuss options for a 2008 Kinetics Race will be held Wednesday, Nov 28 at the Lazy Dog (1346 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO) at 7pm.

The Rocky Mountain News reports a group of self-described Kineticists is working to revive the race for 2008

After 28 years of sponsoring the event, KBCO announced today that the Boulder Kinetics race will be canceled for 2008 due to financial and logistical difficulties . For more information, read the story from the Daily Camera.