Welcome all to the 2009 Cardboard Boat Race.

What is the Cardboard Boat Race?

It is a race that originated in 1974 at the Southern Illinois University. This event has become so popular that more than 1,500 participants and more than 100,000 spectators now enjoy it across America each summer.

Now it is your turn to join in the fun. Grab your friends or you family to build your very own cardboard boat to race at the Fun On The Farm Cardboard Boat Race. This event is sure to bring some good ole fashioned family fun, community spirit and creativity to the end of your summer as well as some creative learning to the beginning of your school year!

The cost of the race is 5 bucks per boat to cover the cost of the prizes and awards.

Here is the Challenge!

To design and build a human-powered boat made of corrugated cardboard and other approved materials which is capable of completing at least 2 laps in our 40 foot long pool, propelled by paddles or ores made of cardboard, is able to fit into a doorway and is no longer than 6 feet. This boat must hold at least two people but no more than three people can race together. You may team up with family or friends to make and race your boats. (See special rules for non-swimmers or Kindergarten and first grade.)

Permissible Materials for Construction
For building- Large pieces of corrugated cardboard found from furniture stores or appliance stores, cardboard boxes from mailers, pizza boxes, and cardboard tubes.

For sealing-
Duct tape,
Masking tape,
Glue,
Cling wrap,
Trash bags,
Plastic tarp,
Paper binders,
Liquid nails adhesive,
Latex paint and varnish.

Materials NOT allowed
Wood,
Styrofoam or rafts
Plastic sheathing
Fiberglass
Sona-Tubes,
Coated cardboard
Silicon,
Wax,
Tar
Caulking compounds
Metal
Staples,
Clamps (except paper binders),
Screws or anything-sharp

Special Rules for Kindergarten, First Grade and Non-Swimmers!

All non swimmers or any kindergarten and first graders are able to make a boat no less than 12 inches and no more than 1 foot and have some sort of Barbie, GI Joe or other character of similar size. These boats will be raced by the children blowing into a large cardboard tube (to be provided) and they will race in the shallow end the width of the pool, which is 20 feet long

Sign ups and Registration

Sign ups will begin on September 1st and continue until September 15th. Your registration fee of 5 dollars must be made by September 15th to hold your spot. Additionally, I am not a cooperation and I cannot afford to front everyone’s’ fee for the prizes. After the 15th your 5 bucks is non-refundable!
Send your checks Payable to Alicia Dingman to, 11307 East Ave R-4 Littlerock CA, 93543. Checks must be post dated by the 15th to be considered. If for some reason you need to cancel, please call me at 661-944-0582 before the 15th and I will shred your check.
Checks only, no cash will be accepted.

Registration begins at 10:00 am allowing you enough time assemble or to make any last minute changes to your boat. The race begins at 1:00 pm and will run until about 5:00 pm. Those interested in staying for an after race BBQ should contact me no later than Friday September 18th.

Contact me at   schoolonthefarm@msn.com

Categories for Awards

  • The Captains Award- Most spectacular or prettiest boat.
  • The Pride of The Farm Award- Most creative design.
  • Best Dressed/Best Spirit Team Award- The team that looks the best and has the best team spirit.
  • Matchy Matchy Award- The team that best matches the theme of their boats

Prizes will be given to

  • The fastest Boat -We will be timing the boats as they race.
  • The Best Design- Everyone gets a say in this. You vote for the best!

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School stuff! If you are interested in keeping this with your curriculum please send your request to School On The Farm and I will send you some science curriculum to go with your project.

Additional information about building cardboard boats and viewing pictures can be found on Google

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