Corvallis’ iconic da Vinci Days Graand Kinetic Challenge, or GKC, is slated for this weekend. And, with its wildly imaginative human-powered art sculptures tackling diverse obstacle courses in an epic two-day race, it’s always a good time.
This year’s theme, ‘Full Steam Ahead,’ invites participants to creatively decorate their kinetic vehicles, blending engineering brilliance with artistic flair to inspire awe and wonder. Part of the joyous celebration of the event is that it engages people with science, technology, engineering, art, and math combined with pageantry.
So, why do these teams from all over work so hard on engineering and creating artistic sculptures that go over land, sand and mud – and then, even float on the water?
“For the fun of it! For the glory!” is the common refrain. And Hobart Brown, founder of Kinetic Sculpture Racing, would enthusiastically affirm, “It’s important for kids to see adults having fun so that they want to grow up.”
Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21, events and venues include…
- Crystal Lake Park (100 SE Fischer Lane) – Starting/Finish Line, Start
- Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx Photo Op Activity), OSU Campus (470 SW 15th and SW Washington Ave)
- Benton County Fairgrounds Parking Lot/Sand Dune (entry on SW Reservoir Road)
- Bald Hill Loop, Bald Hill Natural Area
- Avery Park & Natural Area (1200 SW Avery Drive)
- Michael’s Landing (603 NW 2nd) – Water Challenge exit
- Riverfront Commemorative Park (SW 1st, between Jackson & Adams Streets) – Racer Lunch Break/Meet & Greet Daily Parking Pass: $5 donation.
For the full schedule and best viewing spots, visit https://www.davincidays.org/2024-schedule-of-events
For race rules, opportunities to volunteer, schedule updates, and other information, visit https://www.davincidays.org/
Open Streets – Corvallis’ Free Street Festival Returns This upcoming Sunday, Open Streets Corvallis will blend active transportation and imagination for its 6th annual street festival that connects people and neighborhoods through shared activity in our fair burgh’s public spaces.
With a focus on community connection and movement, the event features activity hubs at three locations: Garfield Park and Cloverland Park will bookend a mile-long route for non-motorized traffic, with a mid-route stop at Porter Park.
Schedule: Open Streets Corvallis takes place on Sunday, July 21 from 11 am to 3 pm. A parade led by jazz and funk band, DTW, will begin at 11:30 am, traveling from Cloverland Park to Garfield Park. Anyone may join. Participants should gather at 27th Street and Garfield Avenue, near the southeast corner of the park a few minutes beforehand.
Event Activities include:
- Live music from It’s Not Rocket Surgery and Brutal Bridges Band at Cloverland Park
- Performances and dancing at Garfield Park (see event schedule)
- Beer gardens and food at both parks
- An activity scavenger hunt
- Giant-sized games, e-bike test rides, a mountain bike course, kids’ archery, gymnastics, arts & crafts, and more!
- Kinetic teeter totter and velocopter (bicycle-powered carnival ride)
- Front yard activities set up by neighbors along the event route
- A street demonstration at NW 27th Street & Garfield Avenue
Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, roll or take the bus to the event. An event shuttle will travel between the parks, with stops at 29th Street and Garfield Avenue, and 11th Street and Cleveland Avenue.
Volunteers are needed! Help set-up, keep people hydrated, monitor waste stations, manage intersections, and more. Perks include a free event t-shirt, snacks, and a darn good time. Sign-ups available online.
Open Streets Corvallis is free and open to the public. More information may be found at www.openstreetscorvallis.org or by emailing Lindsey.Almarode@corvallisoregon.gov.
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