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Flugtag competition in full fling today
The Red Bull FlugTag (Flying Day) event in Kuwait, Nov. 2, 2007.
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Photo courtesy Cajie/Flickr CC
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LONG BEACH - Would-be birdmen and women will launch themselves into Rainbow Harbor today as part of Red Bull's celebration of homemade flying machines.
Red Bull has used the wacky "Flugtag" competition -- it was held on the Santa Monica Pier in 2003 -- to build a series of television commercials, and 35 teams are set to take to the air this afternoon.
Organizers expect up to 70,000 spectators, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported. The event is free, and shuttles will run between paid parking lots downtown and the harbor all day.
Among the best spots to watch are Shoreline Aquatic Park and Shoreline Village. No alcohol is allowed.
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The winners will be the ones who manage to glide the farthest.
Bellflower resident Bill Bald will pilot a giant President Obama head with the ears as wings, the newspaper reported. He and his buddies spent about $1,700 on their creation, which took about three months to build.
"I'm not actually too nervous about flying it," said Bald, a train-loading supervisor. "I am a little nervous about wearing a dress all day in front of thousands of people, but I'll have a mask on, so I think that will help."
Since its inception in Vienna, Austria, in 1991, the Red Bull Flugtag has drawn up to 300,000 spectators to 35 such events worldwide.
The costumed teams will be judged on creativity and performance as well as flight distance. The record is 195 feet.
The winning team will get a trip to Arizona to stay at world-renowned aerobatic pilot Kirby Chambliss' ranch. Second- and third-place teams will receive skydiving and paragliding lessons.
The gates open at 11 a.m., with the first flight expected about 1 p.m.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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