Cardboard boats to invade Diamond Lake
Wannabe Jack Sparrows, Nemos and Ahabs will take to Mundelein's Diamond Lake on Saturday for the village's first cardboard boat regatta.
Organized by the Mundelein Park and Recreation District, the race is set for 1 p.m. at Diamond Lake Beach, which is on Diamond Lake Road between Route 60/83 and Route 45.
Prizes will be awarded to the fastest boats, as well as to those with creative designs and the crowd favorite.
To encourage participation and attendance, beach admission will be free on Saturday.
Proceeds will benefit the Mundelein Parks Foundation, a nonprofit group that provides scholarships to kids who need help paying for recreational programs.
Cardboard boat races have become staples of summertime entertainment in the Chicago area.
Wauconda, Lincolnshire, Fox Lake, Algonquin and Glen Ellyn are among the other towns that have hosted regattas.
To enter, a registration fee of $20 per group is required. The fee is $50 for businesses.
The registration deadline has been extended to noon Saturday. You can register online at mundeleinparks.org or at the Mundelein Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Road.
Safety waivers for each person must be completed on site Saturday, too.
Event rules can be downloaded at mundeleinparks.org/accordion_asset/2015%20Cardboard%20Regatta.pdf.