
The Handcar Regatta represents a FREE public celebration of Mechanical, Visual, Culinary, and Costumed Performing Arts combined with an inclusive concept of Community Participation and Human Ingenuity
embracing sustainability, alternative transportation, and good old fashioned fun.
The railcar races at the center of the
regatta highlights Innovation and Human-Powered Ingenuity to devise cheaper, viable, and hitherto undreamed of methods for bizarre transport beyond the standard notions of today. Additionally, commuter rail transport is highlighted in our era of rising fuel costs. Together with an emphasis on biking, the Regatta provides a platform for playfulness and sustainable concerns within the realm of human-powered alternative transportation.
Imagine Jules Verne meets Moulin Rouge in a scrapyard populated by mad scientists and engineers with blow torches. But, in a family-friendly sort of way.That only begins to explain the idea behind the
Great West End and Railroad Square Hand Regatta, held on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 11am to 6pm in Santa Rosa's Railroad Square. For one magical afternoon, thousands of creative souls converge to behold a spectacle not often seen 'round these parts.
The Main Event: Teams of engineers racing whimsical, wonderful contraptions along the old rail lines behind
railroad square. Bedecked in all manor of costume, representing all ages and creeds, the intrepid
grease monkeys vie for the fastest times for their handcars.
The SideShow: Artists, food vendors, entertainers, gawkers and the easily amused mix and mingle around the square beholding all that there is to behold. Human-powered machines, the recently returned from Burning Man, children's exhibitions and more make the event eminently kid-friendly (though you may have to shield their eyes from an overtight corset or two).


