Energy Drink Company Red Bull entertained approximately 50,000 people in Canada's capital with their Red Bull Flugtag competition. . For those of you not familiar with the word Flugtag, it means, "flying day" in the German language. Not all the wacky imaginative flying machines fly though. Many crash into the water like a rock to the delight of the crowd. The experimental crafts must also comply with all the rules set forth by Red Bull. No engines or external energy sources are allowed, as all the crafts must be human-powered. Judges then score the participants on distance, creativity and showmanship. Up for grabs are three prizes for first, second and third place.
In the Red Bull Flugtag Ottawa-Gatineau competition 32 teams from across Canada showed their stuff. The crowd cheered and laughed as they watched each team push their flying contraption with pilot off an elevated flight deck into the Ottawa River. When it was all said and done, the North Vancouver team, "Surf and the City" had taken first place. Their New York City taxicab with wings won the Grand prize, a pilot's training course; (cash value $7,500.). Second place went to the Barrie, Ontario team called, "Frisbee in the Sky with Diamonds" who received a skydiving adventure worth ($3,000.). Third place went to the Halifax team called, "Flighthouse". They received a paragliding adventure prize worth ($1,500.).
For more information about Red Bull Flugtag competitions visit www.redbullflugtag.ca
Event covered by Key Records staff Brandon Lytle, Tayler Morphy and Jake Windsor. Video recorded August 3, 2008 at the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.