Northwest Wayne News

The City of Dearborn Department of Parks & Recreation welcomes competitors to participate in the, now annual, Cardboard Boat Race at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at 4 p.m. Participants are invited to construct their cardboard boat entries at The Center on Saturday, Feb.10 between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Entries must consist of at least two crew mates on competition day. Each team will consist of a captain and one crew member, but additional team members can be added.

A $15 entry fee is required for members of The Center and for City employees and their family members, $20 for Dearborn residents, and $25 for non-residents. A $5 fee will be charged for each additional crew member.

Build your boat

The City will provide construction tools to participating teams, including duct tape, scissors and a ruler. Teams are asked to provide any additional materials. The following materials may be used for construction:

Cardboard

Water-based/safe paint

Water-soluble caulk

Water-based wood glue

Water-soluble latex-based primer/paint

Participants may not submit an entry with any of the following materials:

Wood

Screws

Nails

Plastic

Rubber

Glitter

Styrofoam filler

Toxic adhesives

Race day information

Participants must wear life jackets in the pool, which will be provided by The Center. Competitors may bring their own personal Coast Guard-approved life jackets if they prefer to do so.

Teams will compete for the fastest time, first to sink, and most artistic in one of the following three categories:

Parent and child (age 12 or under)

Ages 13-17

Ages 18 and over

After the public races are completed, City of Dearborn departments will also take part in the fun with a friendly competition among departments as the final event of the day.

Register and learn more about the Cardboard Boat Race festivities.

Original source can be found here.