Red Bull Flugtag, the outrageous human-powered flying competition, returned to Tom McCall Waterfront Park this weekend after a four year layover and participants were greeted by a huge crowd turnout.

Officials estimated the crowd turnout to be more than 80,000 people.

Thirty-one teams were selected to strut, soar and ultimately splash into the Willamette’s waters, including a final wildcard team chosen by a public vote.

Flugtag, which means “flying day” in German, gives everyday Joes (and Janes!) the chance to be heroes for the day when they launch their homemade human-powered flying machines off a 25-foot high flight deck and into Red Bull Flugtag fame.

The first Red Bull Flugtag was held in Vienna in 1991. Since then, more than 40 Red Bull Flugtags have been held around the world – from London to San Francisco – attracting up to 300,000 spectators at one event!

The international flight distance record stands at 195 feet set in 2000 at Red Bull Flugtag Austria.  North America’s longest flight took place at Red Bull Flugtag Nashville in 2007 with a distance of 155 feet.