Cardboard boat races in Wauconda

The 14th annual Labor Day Cardboard Boat Races in Wauconda have been a summertime tradition, with a full schedule of activities for kids and adults.

The races begin at Saturday, Sept. 5, at noon on Bangs Lake at Lindy's Landing marina. Get your team together and start designing and building your cardboard vessels.

Prizes, trophies and awards will be handed out at the end of the races to those finishing first, second and third in the various racing categories. Judges will also select the Best Dressed, Best Spectacular Sinking, Best Team Spirit and Best Design & Theme.

Also, the coveted "Cardboard Cup" currently remains in the hands of the 2014 winners from POSRG of Wauconda. Any local business can enter the competition and win a $200 gift card to Lindy's, as well as the rights to display the "Cardboard Cup" for the coming year.

Register and follow the rules of boatbuilding. There is a technical inspection of every boat before racing to ensure it is safe and has not been built with materials other than cardboard and duct tape.

First-time entrants can check out a list of websites to help inspire creativity and to better understand how this is done. Check out lindyslanding.net/events/14th-annual-labor-day-cardboard-boat-races/ for rules and information about allowable materials and building guidelines.

Preregistration for boat entrants ends Aug. 31 and the cost is $30. Registration the day of the races is allowed, but not recommended and is $40.

Technical inspections and judging will be by local dignitaries and members of the Bangs Lake Advisory Committee. Volunteers are comprised of friends and family of Lindy's and players from the Wauconda High School football team and the reining queens from the Wauconda Pageant Program.

This event is held annually to raise funds for the Bangs Lake Advisory Committee, which maintains and restores Bangs Lake.