Baltimore?s Inner Harbor becomes the landing strip for human-powered flight contraptions in a contest Saturday sponsored by Red Bull.
“We try to spread the love throughout the U.S. and the world,” said Ellie Applen, Red Bull spokeswoman, on choosing Baltimore?s harbor as the contest?s first East Coast venue since 2004.
“We believe this contest completely embodies our philosophy, and we use Flutag as a platform for people to explore their creativity.”
Julito McCullum of “The Wire,” Mark and Spiegel from radio station 98 Rock and celebrity Ryan Dunn of “Jackass,” among others, will judge on distance, creativity and showmanship.
Twenty-three teams, including four from the Baltimore area, will launch themselves into the air and ultimately into the Harbor ? unless it is really true that Red Bull gives you wings.
A large grandstand has been set up next to the Visitor Center.
Red Bull?s Flutag, launching at 1 p.m. Saturday, could not have picked a better weekend.
The port is also celebrating its 300th anniversary with a range of events this weekend, including a tugboat parade that will circle the Harbor between 11 and noon Saturday.
“[Flutag] is a great event for Baltimore and will draw people to the Inner Harbor,” said Ronnie Burt, interim president of Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association.
For those worried about the safety of the flyers after they enter the waters of the Inner Harbor, no fear.
Pete Yancone, director of education at the Maryland Science Center, takes water samples a couple times a week to test plankton levels.
“My staff is always paying attention to the water and it supports a full natural community.”
He also survived an experience of slipping off the edge into the water with zero side effects, he said.
Swimming in the harbor is not recommended.
