Boat-building starts this week in Crystal Lake

Submitted by Crystal Lake Park District

Begin building your boat today for the 29th annual America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta. With the beaches now open, boat building is under way. Four skids of 8- by 8-foot cardboard were delivered to the maintenance garage at the Crystal Lake Park District’s Main Beach parking lot in anticipation of the regatta. The event is expected to attract more than 3,000 people.

While race day is not until Saturday, June 22, participants can begin building boats this week. Groups of friends, family, and co-workers are encouraged to let their creativity flourish while designing cardboard vessels of all kinds. Cardboard sheets can be picked up from the Crystal Lake Park District maintenance garage, 305 Lakeshore Drive, from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p. m. Monday through Friday. There is no charge for the cardboard thanks to a generous in-kind donation by American Eagle Packaging of Elgin.

The regatta will be held on Saturday, June 22, at Main Beach in Crystal Lake. Gates will open at 9 a.m. and races will commence at noon. An individual/family boat registration fee is $20 per entry and the commercial/company registration fee is $200 per entry. General admission is $3 per person with a $15 maximum per family. All proceeds from the America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta are distributed to local charities. The America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by federal law. Sponsorships are still available for local businesses. Those interested in sponsoring this charitable event should email Bryan Javor at bryanjavor@gmail.com.

Stop by the park district maintenance garage and pick up a few sheets of cardboard today. For more information, visit www.cardboardcup.com.