It’s time to watch grown men and women try to soar in crude homemade flying crafts. The last time the Flugtag came to Portland was four years ago and I was there. I remember thinking that these people were crazy and that someone was going to get seriously hurt. But it sure makes for a great spectator sport. Basically there’s a giant ramp that participants use to launch into the river. The craft to make it the furthest before crashing into the water takes the prize. It’s all very pre-Wright Brothers. Aviators will be judged on distance, creativity and showmanship.
In 2004 the competition drew more than 50,000 spectators to the waterfront. For more information on this year’s event and its competitors go to the official Flugtag website.
Red Bull Flugtag
August 2nd
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
gates open at 11am, first flight at 1pm
