Rutabaga Ball
Photo by Matt Filar
2025 Queen Lucy Lips
Photo by Matt Filar
The Rutabaga Queens Reign in Glory Over the Kinetic Grand Championship
In 1973, “friend of Hobart” and general oddball Barbara Ludwig decided that the Kinetic Race needed a reigning monarch, and so declared herself “Rutabaga Queen.” Since that fateful day, there have been dozens of raucous royals who have made it their duty to follow the cardinal rule of Rutabaga-ing: Have FUN! … aaaaaalmost to the point of obnoxiousness.
The Rutabaga Ball was invented by a Queen, and is organized by the Queens, who are independent performing artists and volunteers ... this particular Kinetic tradition pre-dates Kinetic Universe by many decades.
Anyone can compete for the Crown at the Rutabaga Ball.
“Kinetics is about celebrating art and engineering, but more than anything it’s about having fun and celebrating community! The bonds we make and support we provide one another is how we keep this glorious tradition alive.”
2025 Queen Lucy Lips
2024 Queen Olivia Gambino AKA Queen Auntie Ooh-La-La to the Children
2023 Queen Felix Flex
2022 Queen Sue Bee
2020 Queen Robotica
2019 Queen Betty Crafter Photo by Andrew Goff
2018 Queen Metalana Empoweress to Glory Photo by Mark McKenna
2017 Queen Kaleidoscope
2016 Queen Candie of Confection
2015 Queen Glorya Kiddnetica
2014 Queen Glitterina
2013 Queen Lady Luck
2012 Sohotshe Burns LaRu Tabaga
2011 Queen GMa
2010 Queen Dinah Might Photo by Winona Aubrey-Herzog
2009 Queen Jermajesty
2008 Queen Lotta Paintbuckets Photo by Matt Filar
2007 Queen Emma the EmChantress
2006 Queen Tammy Rae Foxy Biloxi
2005 Queen Shaye of Controversy
2004 Queen Monica Goddess of Entertainment
2003 Queen Jane Doe Woman of Mystery
2001 The Imperial Empress
1989 Queen Harmonica Convergence