Annual Dearborn Cardboard Boat Race returns Saturday, Feb. 15
Published Feb. 7, 2025
The City of Dearborn Department of Parks & Recreation welcomes competitors to participate in the annual Cardboard Boat Race at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. Participants are invited to construct their cardboard boat entries at The Center on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Studio A.
Entries must consist of at least two crew mates on competition day. Each team will consist of a captain and one crew member, though additional team members can be added.
An entry fee of $15 is required for The Center members, $20 for Dearborn residents, and $25 for non-residents. An additional $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
The Center will provide life jackets for participants in the pool. However, competitors may bring their own personal Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
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, the City of Dearborn departments will also participate in the fun with a friendly competition among departments as the day's final event.
Register and learn more about the Cardboard Boat Race festivities.
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