Cardboard Duct Tape Boat races just around the corner

By Jack Elliott
Correspondent

The 5th Annual Great Beaver Cardboard and Duct Tape Races will be held July 22 during RailRoad Daze in Rainy River. This popular family event promoting Safety and Fun on our Waterways is sponsored by the Rainy River Recreation Board. Corporate sponsors are Fort Frances General Supply, 3M Canada Ltd and Norampac Open to everyone in the world, participants get the chance to win a cheap, but stunning trophy in one of several classes. These include open, youth, family, and adult.
The open class consists of craft constructed prior to race day consisting of cardboard, duct tape and one other adhesive. Contestants supply all materials and are encouraged to costume themselves in a manner depicting a theme of their choice and their piratical technique during the race.
The other three classes are constructed on site, the day of the races using only materials supplied by Race organizers.-two sticks, 2 sheets of cardboard, and two rolls of duct tape. Entrants in these classes are limited to supplies available, on a first come, first serve basis. Teams may pre-register by mailing their entry fee to the Rainy River Rec Board, Box 252, Rainy River, ON, P0W1L0
Participants in all races must supply their own CSA approved life jackets and paddles. All participants must sign a liability release form and all minors must have a signed parental consent form.
There are few rule changes this year with the entry fee remaining at $10 per craft. The course will be altered slightly with departure from the Hannam Park Dock, towards mid river, around the buoy marker and return to the dock or beach area. Material distribution and construction will begin at 1:00 pm Sunday and the races start at 4:00 pm.
The most coveted award will again be for the Most Spectacular Sinking. Rules and registration forms may be picked up at the Rec Centre office or downloaded at www.rainyriver.ca
Colluci- Photo by Jack Elliott: “Abandon Ship! Gino Colluci and Ayla Holmes of Sioux Lookout were in the lead until their bilge pumps failed. However, they took home a trophy for ‘Most Spectacular Sinking’”