Staying afloat main goal at Lake Ellyn cardboard boat regatta

There's nothing quite like watching people desperately paddle a cardboard boat 200 yards as it takes on water ... and ... slowly ... sinks ... en route to the finish line.

Glen Ellyn will continue its tradition of the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta Saturday, where more than 50 crafts of all shapes and sizes will take to Lake Ellyn in a float-or-sink proposition.

The 17th annual event starts at noon.

Believe it or not, most of the cardboard boats actually do manage to make it across the lake. In fact, there are a few that come back year after year, proving their layers of paint provide enough strength to survive the water.

"The more coats of paint they add to it and glue and lamination, the stronger it gets," said Jeannie Robinson, recreation supervisor for Glen Ellyn Park District. "It's kind of neat to see what they do from year to year."

Of course, about a quarter of the cardboard creations have no chance of lasting in the water, so there's also a Titanic award given for the best sinking.

The prizes also include the best dressed for spiffy and creative costumes, the vogue award for the prettiest boat, the pride of the regatta for the most creative design and the team spirit award for the most organized team.

Awards also will be given to the top three finishers in each division.

Although the sailing doesn't start until noon, Robinson suggests spectators get there at 11 a.m. to check out the boats as they line up.

"The coolest part is to check out the boats before they make it into the water," she said.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and those interested also can register on the day of the event at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road. For more information, call the park district at (630) 858-2462 or visit gcbr.com/events/ge.html.

The regatta kicks off Fourth of July events in Glen Ellyn, which include a picnic in the park from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday in conjunction with the sailing, Freedom Four Run at 8 a.m. on the Fourth of July, the parade at noon, food and music at Lake Ellyn from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and fireworks at dusk on July 4.

<p class="News"><b>What: Great Cardboard Boat Regatta</b></p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> Races start at noon Saturday; registration at 9 a.m.</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Lake Ellyn, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn</p> <p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> Free to watch</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 858-2462 or <a href="http://gcbr.com/events/ge.html" target="new">gcbr.com/events/ge.html</a>.</p>