2nd annual cardboard boat regatta held July 1

This is the second year for the Parks and Recreation Department’s cardboard boat race, set for July 1 at 9 a.m. at the city pool. 

Last year there were about 10 competitors, said Drew Peterson, parks and recreation department superintendent. 

“It’s just another fun family activity for everyone,” he said. “The people last year had a great time doing it, and it’s something the whole family can do together.”

Participants do not have to be Trussville residents. 

“We open it up to anyone who wants to participate,” Peterson said. 

With cardboard boat building, the main ingredients are creativity and problem-solving. Part of the fun is that the boat must be built in the pool parking lot directly prior to the race, which leads to some impromptu planning for some families, he said. 

Entry fee is $5 per boat, and the award categories are Fastest Finish Time, Most Creative Design and Floats the Best — all with first, second and third place winners — and Titanic (most dramatic sink) with a first-place winner only. 

All ages are encouraged to participate, but ability to swim is required. It is encouraged to pre-register for the event. There must be a minimum of eight entries to have the race, and boats must make it from one end of the pool to the other. 

For more information visit www.trussvilleparks.org orcall 655-9486.