Whatever floats your boat at Fox Lake race

Cardboard and duct tape will be the construction supplies needed to race a boat on the Chain O' Lakes Sunday, Aug. 21.

Fox Lake officials said the annual Fox Lake Cardboard Boat Race will take place at the Fox Lake Lakefront Park on Nippersink Drive. The event begins at 8 a.m. with registration and on-site boat building, followed by the races at noon, officials said.

There is a $30 registration fee, which includes a boat building kit.

There are three categories established for on-site boat building and off-site boat building: children ages 10 and younger; children ages 11 to 14; and adults.

Medals will be given to all children who assist with the boat building and race in the boat. Trophies will be awarded for first place, second place, Best of Show and Fastest Sinking in each category. There are no restrictions on length of boat or crew size.

People interested in on-site boat building must adhere to the following rules: Boats must be built from only the materials supplied in the official kits, but participants may bring their own decorating applications.

Sizes and shapes of the boat are restricted by the amount of cardboard and duct tape included in each kit, and no foam, plastic or wood may be used to build the vessel. Cardboard, duct tape and paint are the only materials to be used in constructing a boat.

Off-site boats are also not allowed to use foam, plastic or wood, and cardboard, duct tape and paint are the only materials allowed to be used. Everyone who participates must wear life preservers and all oars must be brought by the boat builders. All people who participate must sign a waiver and release of all claims. For information, review the rules at the village of Fox Lake website, foxlake.org.