Riverfest to feature new boat race

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LOCKPORT - When the contestants in the area's newest boat races see the starting flag or hear, "Ladies and gentlemen, dip your paddles!" they will shoot out into the river as quickly as possible in the hopes of surviving the contest.

It isn't that the river below Veterans Bridge will be transformed into a whitewater or obstacle course, or that the races will last for hours (although the cleanup might).

In fact, the races could be over for some boats in minutes - once they sink, they are out of the running.

Just crossing the finish line will be a huge accomplishment, and any boat crew that manages to do so with flair will likely be rewarded.

What will make this competition so tough?

The fact that all the boats must be built using just four materials, guaranteed to make them light and fast - as they either zip across the top of water or sink straight down.

Cardboard is the base.

Yes, you read that right.

Add some duct tape and glue and there you have it - your official entry in the first Cardboard Boat Races on our stretch of the Susquehanna - at least as far as anyone can recall.

The fourth material is nontoxic paint, which may be liberally applied to dress up your boat as you compete for Best in Show. Dress up your crew in costumes as well and you may be a shoe-in for first place, according to race chairwoman Lynne Ramm.

Even if you're not racing, you won't want to miss this goofy, graphic go-for-broke gauntlet of strength, determination and corrugated heavy paper products.

Entrants should start collecting cardboard now.

The race will be held at noon Saturday, July 11, as a new feature of Riverfest at the Woodward Township Boat Launch along the river.

Boats will enter the water just below the bridge and head for the launch - about 100 yards away - using a similar course as the Duck Derby, which will be run later that day.

Race judges will be stationed at the finish line. They also will judge entries for Best in Show while the boats are in the river, so water-worthiness is an important factor for all entries.

The race headquarters will stand across the road from the starting point - under the pavilion - Ramm reported, and fanciful entries will be displayed in the grass next to it.

Competitors may portray pirates of the high seas, Pittsburgh Pirates or any other theme. Businesses may advertise on their boats and nonprofit groups may use their slogans.

Contestants and their boats will be eliminated if they exhibit "any unpleasant behavior," as Ramm put it.

Tacky themes, however, are welcome.

The entry fee is $5 per race, to benefit Riverview Park and the boat launch. Five races will be run in all, four by age levels with one open race for anyone and everyone. Age groups are 8 to 12, 13 to 17, 18 to 40 and 41 and older. Any contestant in the open race under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Ambitious crews may enter the same boat in all five races as long as boaters meet the age requirements.

And, competitors will want to assemble a good-sized crew, even for a one-person boat. Wet cardboard is very heavy, and boat crews will be required to clear the entry from the finish line (and the water) as quickly as possible.

All contestants must supply and wear life vests and provide their own oars or paddles, according to Ramm. No motors may be used.

Obviously, contestants must be in their boats, not swimming or running underneath or alongside.

Those who bite the dust - or the waves, in this case - can be immediately rescued if needed.

Six pontoon boats and 12 jet skis are already lined up for rescue and in-water race monitoring, the race chair reported. More volunteers will be welcome, she said, and those interested are invited to call the township building at 570-748-6871 to sign up or get more information.

Contestants must preregister by calling that same number by July 1. The short preregistration form is available at the township building at 86 Riverside Terrace.

The Cardboard Boat Races will be held rain or shine, and trophies will be awarded to the winners.

Ramm said she became interested in the wacky races through her fiance's uncle, who competes in them at Seneca Lake in New York. She and fiance, William Welch, have accompanied Vernon Welch to the races.

"We have a blast," she said. "The whole town comes out for it."

Vernon and crewmate Don White, both of the Lock Haven area, have entered their boat and made it to the finish point numerous times. The boat is in storage, ready for the next go-round, Ramm said, and White (phone 570-769-6993) is willing to show it to beginners who may need some advice as to how to go about constructing this unusual type of watercraft.

She hopes the Cardboard Boat Races at Lockport will bring out the same excitement here as in upstate New York, where boats are paraded through town before hitting the water.

"We want to keep this going every year!" she said.