All eyes will be on Mother Nature Saturday during the first Winter Wind Derby at The Forks.
Since November, hobbyists have been tinkering with handmade “flying” contraptions in an effort to propel themselves down the Red River Mutual Trail the greatest distance.
The competition relies completely on the wind, meaning the weather better play nice. Environment Canada says wind gusts will be about 50 km/h from the south on Saturday.
“Winter and wind go hand in hand here in Winnipeg. So when (artist) Jordan Van Sewell proposed the idea of creating a derby around it, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity” said Paul Jordan, CEO of The Forks Renewal Corporation.
“I think that’s the best part of who we as Winnipeggers and Manitobans are, we embrace whatever blows our way.”
The creations can’t have motors, rocket packs or be prefabricated. Only wind and human power are permitted.
The public will get their first look at the competition at 1 p.m. tomorrow.
