In 1973, self-professed oddball Barbara Ludwig decided that the Kinetic Sculpture 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—almost to the point of obnoxiousness. Anyone can compete for the Crown at the Rutabaga Ball one week before the Kinetic Grand Championship.