Watch "human-powered flying machines" take flight at Flugtag
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The initial sketch of "Skeeter Deleter" and the mostly completed craft. Photos: Ben Nesvig
Dozens of brave Midwesterners are about to take flight over the Mississippi River — or at least attempt it.
The big picture: Saturday marks the return of Red Bull Flugtag, the energy drink's wacky competition in which teams launch homemade aircraft off a 30-foot-high platform — with a human pilot in the cockpit — to see how far it can fly.
- It's the first time in seven years Minnesota has hosted the event, though the world record 207-foot flight was set in St. Paul in 2010.
How it works: Crafts must be created from scratch and able to float. They need to be powered by humans: no engines, motors or elastic bands. "Pilots" must wear life jackets, helmets and an outfit they will be able to swim in.
- Scores are based on distance, creativity and showmanship.
Zoom out: The 39 teams are largely from across the Midwest, and many creations have Minnesota ties.
- "Razzcherry Berets" built a "Spoonbridge and Cherry"-inspired craft, while "Hormel Heroes" and "Muskie Rodeo" will attempt to launch a giant Spam can and flying fish.
Zoom in: Ben Nesvig, creator of popular Instagram account @minnesotamemes, was approached by Red Bull to be an honorary participant, he told Axios.
- He created the design for the "Skeeter Deleter" — a giant mosquito biting a hand that serves as the cockpit — while Red Bull paid for the fabrication.
- Nesvig will pilot the craft wearing a mosquito onesie.
What he's saying: "I contemplated a loon or a goose, but I figured that the most satisfying thing to see fall would be a mosquito," Nesvig told Axios.
- "Maybe I'll sail halfway to St. Paul, or I take a bad crash and in hindsight, it will be obvious this wasn't meant to fly. Either way, it should be a great time for spectators."
If you go: Red Bull Flugtag starts at 12pm Saturday at Bohemian Flats Park in Minneapolis. It's free and open to spectators, but expect major crowds — and keep an eye on the weather.
- There's no on-site parking, but shuttles are available and a Light Rail station is a few blocks away.