KristyWes

FunFactFriday
Idiots on Parade

Last year's festivities

The Olympics are now officially two weeks away.

But if you just can't wait that long to cheer for someone as they pursue dreams of glory through feats of athleticism while wearing funny-looking outfits, and you live in the greater New York area, well then - you're in luck. Because tomorrow (1/30/10) is the seventh annual Idiotarod.

I trust you're all familiar with the Iditarod - the Alaskan dog sled race?

The Idiotarod is pretty much the same thing. Except people (not dogs) pull shopping carts (not sleds) through the streets of Brooklyn (not the frozen tundra of Alaska).

The exact race route is left to the discretion of each shopping cart team. They are given the starting point and the finishing line location, and it's up to them to get from Point A to Point B. As quickly as possible. (Without getting arrested or disturbing traffic, preferably.)

As the finish line is a secret, the start location subject to change, and the route not fixed, the event is something of a challenge to observe.

Last year I lucked out: I happened to be meeting SBG for a pierogie lunch in Greenpoint, Brooklyn on Idiotarod day. And just as I was exiting the subway, I saw these three carts (pictured above) race by.

One team was dressed as Romanian gymnasts. I have no idea what the other teams were supposed to be. All looked like they were having fun.

So if you happen to find yourself near Brooklyn tomorrow, keep an ear perked for that familiar rattle of a speeding shopping cart. And be ready to cheer on these fun-loving folks.

In the name of all that is weird, random, and unruly.