NYC In Focus

By Howard Weiss | nycinfocus.com

Every year, as winter’s chill sets in, a peculiar kind of mayhem rolls through the streets of New York City: the Idiotarod, where shopping carts transform into wild chariots, teams dress in over-the-top costumes, and the spirit of absurdity takes center stage. This year’s edition on January 27th was no exception—it was a masterclass in organized chaos, full of unfiltered creativity, laughter, and genuine community energy.

For those unfamiliar, Idiotarod is a satirical twist on Alaska’s famed Iditarod sled race. But instead of sled dogs pulling through snow, it’s human-powered shopping carts racing through city streets, complete with pit stops at local bars and unexpected acts of sabotage. Showmanship reigns supreme here, not speed—something that became crystal clear as I grabbed my camera and joined the madness.

The Energy at Grand Army Plaza

The day kicked off at Grand Army Plaza, where sixteen elaborately themed teams gathered, ready to unleash their wild creations on Brooklyn. The air buzzed with excitement. Participants mingled in costumes that ranged from punk-rock orcas to 1930s vintage caricatures and Austin Powers lookalikes. There’s something about events like this that pulls together the quirkiest corners of NYC—the artists, the creatives, and yes, the “idiots” who embrace sheer, unfiltered fun.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / nycinfocus.com

Creativity in Motion: The Teams

This year’s lineup did not disappoint. Teams like Gimp My Ride, decked out in full leather and latex suits, and Orcapy Whale Street, a rowdy pod of punk-rock orcas, stole the show with their attention to detail and contagious energy. Other standouts included:

• Loaf Gang: A group of bakers from Northside Bakery transformed their cart into a literal loaf of bread.

• Cartapus: A whimsical, tentacled cart that gave out free hugs (yes, hugs).

• Hot Cucumber: Famous for bribing judges with fire-roasted sandwiches.

It was impossible to choose a favorite, but Best in Show deservedly went to Gimp My Ride for their imaginative design and hilarious commitment to the theme.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / nycinfocus.com

The Checkpoints: A Breather and a Party

The race zigzagged through Brooklyn with stops at local watering holes like 99 Rogers in Crown Heights, Wonderville and Bar Cornelia in Bushwick, and The Deep End in Ridgewood. These checkpoints weren’t just pit stops—they were mini parties with games, music, and plenty of camaraderie.

As I moved between locations, my lens captured moments of unfiltered joy—teams laughing through exhaustion, judges “accepting” bribes with knowing smiles, and friends sharing celebratory drinks.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / nycinfocus.com

A Photographer’s Perspective: Moments That Matter

Photographing the Idiotarod felt like tapping into the beating heart of New York’s creative underground. Events like this remind me why I love being a photographer here—no other city embraces whimsy, absurdity, and community quite like NYC. Whether it’s the over-the-top costumes, the laughter echoing off brick walls, or the dedication of participants to pull together something ridiculous and beautiful—it’s a dream to document.

One moment that stood out was capturing Team Gold Members, who combined a clever Austin Powers theme with a massive three-cart design, and the Loaf Gang bakers whose ingenuity turned heads all day.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / nycinfocus.com

The Aftermath: Smashy Smashy

True to tradition, the race culminated in a party on a dead-end street in Ridgewood. Carts were hoisted to treetops and smashed, trophies were awarded, and celebrations continued well into the night. There’s a particular joy in seeing chaos distilled into pure fun—no competition, no rules, just community.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / nycinfocus.com

Final Thoughts: Why Events Like Idiotarod Matter

The Idiotarod isn’t just a bar crawl or a quirky race; it’s a reminder of what makes New York City special. It’s about laughter in unexpected places, creative freedom, and celebrating community through pure absurdity. As a photographer, I’m grateful to capture moments like these, where joy and chaos collide.