SIU to host 51st Great Cardboard Boat Regatta on Campus Lake

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) — A longtime Southern Illinois tradition is returning this spring as Southern Illinois University Carbondale prepares to host the 51st Great Cardboard Boat Regatta.

The annual event, which began in 1974, invites participants to design and race boats made primarily of cardboard, drawing both competitors and spectators from across the region.

Races are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on April 18 at Becker Pavilion on Campus Lake.

Organizers say the regatta is a family-friendly event that continues to showcase creativity, teamwork and a bit of trial and error, as many boats are known to sink before reaching the finish line.

Participants are encouraged to register in advance to save time on race day. Each boat registration includes one T-shirt, with additional shirts available for purchase. Those hoping to receive a T-shirt must register by April 10.

All team members are required to have a signed waiver to compete.

Event organizers are also looking for volunteers to help with registration, unloading boats and timekeeping.