The city of Eureka has played host to the Kinetic Race over the Memorial Day weekend for several years now. In the Eureka race hundreds of people create contraptions for a race which must stand up to three elements: pavement, sand and water. And now the city of Vallejo will play host to a similar race down state, sans the water and sand. The inaugural race of wonderful motorless contraptions was held recently on a sunny Saturday afternoon, September 29th. "We are so delighted to have this race come to Mare Island," said Vallejo activist Frank Malifrando, a Kinetic Obtainium follower who helped inspire the race. "It will only get bigger and better each year as the word gets out," he said. A theatrical and colorful race, most people were in delightful, exotic and historical costumes of various types. Malifrando was seen in his traditional Mad Hatter top hat and tails replete with gold brocade.
The race includes delightful contraptions which are powered only by human strength, love and energy. You can see from the photographs that the competitors put a great deal of creative thought, and hours of love and devotion into creating their contraptions. Malifrando tells us that there are many such contraptions hidden in warehouses and garages all over Vallejo. (Who knew?)Well, it is time we start celebrating these eclectic and magnificent artists some of whom actually live here in town.
Vallejo's first Kinetic Obtainium Cup race was indeed held on Mare Island and culminated at the Mare Island reserve area at the south end of the island near our future municipal park. Vallejo's own activist Myrna Hayes, in her own inimitable fashion, played host for the finale. Vallejo Planning Commissioner Tony Adams can be seen in his top hat and Music Man style vest; "My job was to direct "traffic" did I say traffic?"said Adams with a laugh. Men women and children were in attendance and in the race participation. One of the Kinetic competitors said that one parade goer threw stuffed monkeys out in appreciation as they passed by. A good time was definitely had by all. And Frank Malifrando is right, once the word leaks out, next year's race will be host to dozens more Kinetic Obtainium participants, and creative types. "You will also see some of these delightful contraptions in the Mad Hatter parade on Saturday, December 1st in Historic Downtown Vallejo," said Malifrando. The little girl within me can hardly wait!