Redding Chico Eureka

EUREKA, Calif. — Glory, glitter and kinetic chaos are set to take over Eureka because the annual Rutabaga Ball returns to assist kick off the countdown to the Kinetic Grand Championship.

Organizers stated the family-friendly occasion, supported by Kinetic Universe, celebrates creativity, group and leisure whereas additionally serving as a serious fundraiser for the Kinetic Grand Championship.

“All the money raised from the ticket sales for merch sales goes directly to Kinetic Universe as a non-profit that operates the Kinetic Grand Championship, so it helps support the race happening. It’s a volunteer-run organization, but it does still take money for permitting, clean up, and things like that,” stated 2025 Rutabaga Queen Stephanie McGeary, also called Queen Lucy Lips.

During the occasion, a brand new Rutabaga Queen will likely be topped for 2026.

The Rutabaga Ball is about for Saturday, May sixteenth, on the historic Eureka Theater, the weekend earlier than the Kinetic Grand Championship. The theme this yr is Viva La Glory, honoring Elvis-loving Queen Foxy Biloxi’s twentieth Queeniversary, whereas additionally celebrating Queen PoiSin Candy’s tenth Queeniversary.

Organizers stated the occasion will function performances, costumes, pageantry and viewers participation as contestants compete for votes. Fan voting, themed cocktails and stay leisure are additionally deliberate all through the night.

Tickets begin at $20, and doorways open at 7 p.m. More data, together with tickets, sponsorship alternatives and contestant purposes, is accessible on the Rutaga Queen web site and the Kinetic Grand Championship web site.

The Rutabaga Ball custom dates again to 1973, when Barbara Ludwig topped herself Rutabaga Queen after deciding the Kinetic Race wanted a monarch. Organizers stated the occasion has remained a longtime North Coast custom ever since.

A flyer promotes the 2026 Rutabaga Ball, scheduled on the Eureka Theater forward of the Kinetic Grand Championship. (Courtesy of Stephanie McGeary Facebook web page)

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