Published Feb. 12, 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, 15801 Michigan Ave. The race will begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, following team check-ins at 3 p.m. 

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

An entry fee of $15 is required for Ford Community & Performing Arts Center members, $20 for Dearborn residents, and $25 for non-residents. An additional $5 fee will be charged for each additional crew member. 

Boat construction on Feb. 14 
Participants are also invited to construct their cardboard boat entries at The Center on Saturday, Feb. 14, in Studio A at 9 a.m.

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 Coast Guard-approved life jackets. 

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 at Dearborn.gov.
 

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