Glen Ellyn to host cardboard boat regatta
It traverses less than a city block.
But people have been preparing for this voyage for weeks - months in some cases.
Glen Ellyn's annual Great Cardboard Boat Regatta will draw dozens of teams to Lake Ellyn on Saturday to prove they can turn paper into a seaworthy vessel.
Winners receive trophies - and bragging rights.
"People are very serious about this. And they get very goofy about it. That's the nature of the event," said Kathleen Talenco, marketing and communications supervisor for the Glen Ellyn Park District.
The awards aren't limited to race winners. There are honors for the themes, team spirit, costumes and the Titanic Award for the most spectacular sinking.
"Some people start out months in advance, and they put all kinds of energy and effort and creativity and imagination into it. The concepts and the themes are just unbelievable."
To start, teams receive 15 sheets of construction-grade corrugated cardboard and a long list of rules.
The goal is to make it 200 yards across the lake without sinking.
Surprisingly, Talenco said, most teams reach the finish line. However, some expend their efforts toward putting on the best sinking show.
"If you haven't seen it, I would really recommend coming to see it," Talenco said. "While the races do not begin until noon, I recommend getting there early. The park is packed. People start arriving at 9 a.m. with their boats. It's a lot of fun to look at what people came up with."
Just about every park district employee and about 75 volunteers are on hand that day to make sure everything runs smoothly. Participants are primarily from Glen Ellyn, but the race also draws teams from surrounding communities and even the occasional crew from out of state.
If there's a formula for what makes the best vessel, Talenco isn't aware of it.
"People don't share their secrets," she said.
This year, about 70 boats are registered in advance, and parks officials say a few more always sign up on that last day. They even offer an instant boat kit for those who are inspired at the last minute.
And while there's always the competitive element, Talenco stresses that it's mostly about fun. Participants can be as young as 8 years old.
"This is a kickoff to 4th of July holiday, and it starts the season of summer celebrations," she said.
Concessions will be sold by the Glen Ellyn Fire Department.
Registration begins at 9:15 a.m.; races are from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road. Cost to enter the race is $50 for residents, $72 for nonresidents. Spectators can watch for free. Parking is available at Glenbard West parking lots and street parking. For details, call the park district at (630) 858-2462.
If you go
What: Great Cardboard Boat Regatta
When: June 28. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m.; races are from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn.
Cost: Entry fee is $50 for residents, $72 for nonresidents. No admission charge.
Parking: Available at Glenbard West parking lots and street parking.
Details: (630) 858-2462 or visit www.glenellyn.org.