Crews make waves at Cardboard Cup Regatta in Crystal Lake
One of the largest entries in the 25th annual Cardboard Cup Regatta in Crystal Lake was a replica of the house in the movie "Up," complete with balloons tied to the chimney.
"We call this one 'Down,'" quipped the skipper, Heather Killian of Northbrook. "We're not sure if it's going to implode or tip over."
Killian's's craft sunk with enough gusto to claim the top spot for "Most Spectacular Sinking" and drew enough onlookers to take second place for "Most Creative Theme."
The Saturday race at the Cyystal Lake Park District's main beach was the site of plenty of camaraderie and creativity.
The creation by Killian, who has competed in the race for about 10 years, was one sample of how participants sought to have fun during the event.
Another show-stopper was a 22-foot-tall silver guitar created by Rich Louderbough of Crystal Lake and his friend Ron Rogers of Dallas.
The pair, dressed as members of the rock band KISS, were headed to Summerfest in Milwaukee and forged a massive guitar in the band's honor.
They pair built the craft in two days and connected the guitar's neck and body at the park Saturday morning.
"Then we strung it and tuned it," said Rogers, between pausing to take pictures with people passing by.
Seven teenagers, headed by Rick Arco of Crystal Lake, constructed "Ice, Ice Baby," a hockey rink atop three canoe-shaped vessels.
"Last year they just threw it together and it sunk in two seconds," said Donna Wadzita, whose son, Brent, also sailed in the rink/boat.
The "Ice" craft didn't land any awards, but the KISS boat took tops as "Most Enthusiastic Crew."
The overall winner of Cardboard Cup trophy was "The Metal," while "The Torqpedo" claimed first for mechanical boats.
The Quickie Cup, awarded to boats assembled entirely on site, went to "The Destroyer" and the Most Patriotic went to "Miss Behave."
The Ugliest Boat was "Lost Cause," the People's Choice was awarded to "Go Cubs Go" and the Most Creative was "The Mystery Machine."
"GatorAid" won the Kiddie Cup for kids 10 and under.
Hope Bott, the regatta chairwoman, said 45 to 50 groups entered the contest. For a complete list of winners, visit cardboardcup.com.