ARCATA, CALIF.-For over 40 years an odd event that has fascinated fans around the globe, launches on Memorial Weekend when the wild machines and their owners pull up to start line in Arcata's downtown Plaza. Known as the triathlon of the art world, the annual Great Arcata to Ferndale World Championship Kinetic Sculpture Race is a three-day event taking machines and teams on land, in the sand, in the water and through mud some 42 miles distance between two Humboldt County cities.

So popular is the concept created by local artist Hobart Brown back in 1969, there are now kinetic sculpture races spanning the globe. If you can only see one, however, you owe it to yourself to watch the original race. You can also enter the race for a modest fee, but creativity is a must when embarking on this venture. - kineticgrandchampionship.com