10th annual Great Beaver Cardboard and Duct Tape Races set to float or sink this Sunday

By Jack Elliott
Contributor

One of the most popular events at RailRoad Daze in Rainy River is the Great Beaver Cardboard and Duct Tape Boat Races. Held this year on Sunday, July 22 this is the 10th time spectators and participants have enjoyed this event that promotes safe family fun on our magnificent Rainy River.
The races feature several classes youth, family and adult in the purist class where teams have three hours to construct a boat using two 4x8 sheets of cardboard, a roll of duct tape, a two sticks. All materials are supplied by the event organizers and are covered in the ten dollar per craft registration fee. As well as this purist class, there is an open class where craft can be constructed prior to the event with an emphasis on themes and piratical techniques.
Trophies are awarded for each class as well as best theme. The Grand Trophy open to all is the “Most Spectacular Sinking’ award sponsored by Fort Frances General Supply.
“Early in the history of the event, we issued two to three rolls of duct tape, but it was nearly impossible to sink some of those boats, so now we have restricted it to one roll. Kind of a ‘Titanic’ factor, “ explained event chair, Jack Elliott.
This is a totally volunteer event, with cardboard donated by Norampac of Winnipeg. 3M of Duct Tape fame, and the sticks by Ken ‘Scrounger’ Trenchard, of Sleeman. We have life guards, and spotters from Rainy River and Baudette to insure it safe, and all participants must wear approved life jackets. The only accidents we have ever had are a little wounded pride, added Elliott.
Registration and supply pick up begins Sunday, July 22 at 12:30 p.m. at Hannam Park at the Waterfront Pavilion and races begin at 3:30 p.m.
See you there for a splashing, rollicking good time
For more information on this event contact Jack Elliott at this email address or call 807-852-3790