We’re doing this again! 

Humboldt’s art nerd society filled the Arcata Kommunity Center for the 2016 Rutabaga Ball, signaling the kick off the Kinetic season. With the Kinetic Grand Championship just a week away, an unprecedented seven contestants endured a grueling four-hour contest with the hopes of securing the honor to royally oversee this year’s glorious race. ‘Twas a Kinetic slog.

As is tradition, a panel of Rutabaga Queens from years past scored contestants’ abilities over the course of three rounds: Q&A, water crossing, and talent sections. In the end, when the opinions were tallied, it was revealed that Princess PoiSin Candy had out-klassed, out-skated and out-bribed the kompetition and had secured her place in Humboldt history by being crowned the 2016 Rutabaga Queen.

Kongrats, Candice.

But there are no real losers in Kinetics (kinda). Each competitor earns a lifetime designation as Kinetic royalty simply for competing. Meet your new overlords below.

Princess PoiSin Candy AKA Candace Campbell

Princess Lady Lasagna of Luncheonshire AKA Karri Thallheimer (first runnerup)

Princess April Shower AKA Jim Childs

Princess Venus Verde AKA Heidi Monteverde

Princess Baron Von Snooz AKA Suzanne Ross (with Duchess Isa Dorable)

Princess Mr. Mustachio AKA Stephanie Knowles

Princess Sparkle Lumina AKA Shoshanna Anthony

Ball emcees Amy and Cliff Berkowitz

Getting ready

Past Rutabaga Queens perform

Beards for some reason

Top secret judging

Long may she reign (for a year)!