I was watching the Simpsons tonight (old one where Marge goes to prison) and saw an ad for Flug Tag, which is happening in Vancouver in August. I first heard about Flug Tag when I was travelling; I saw stickers defacing public structures in Austria. This is the first event held in a Canadian city.

What is Flug Tag? It’s a made-up event where competitors build large but odd “flying” machines that are launched out over water off a 30-foot ramp. The contraptions and competitors usually don’t go very far. I guess the tie in is that, like Red Bull, prreparing to launch yourself off a ramp “gives you wings” and jitters and the urge to pee.

You must apply to enter by May 19th; competition is on August 19th at Concord Place. First prize is flight lessons worth $7,500. Fourth place is a cool, refreshing dip in False Creek.