Cardboard Boat Regatta Registration

🚣 3rd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta – Grand Rapids, Ohio
Creativity Floats Here!

The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 3rd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, a wildly fun and totally unforgettable community event held on the beautiful Maumee River in downtown Grand Rapids, Ohio. Whether you’re a spectator looking for laughs and riverfront excitement, or a bold builder ready to launch your handmade vessel, this is one summer tradition you won’t want to miss.

Join us for a day of family-friendly fun, friendly competition, and floating masterpieces—all made out of cardboard, tape, and a whole lot of imagination.

What Is the Cardboard Boat Regatta?

The Cardboard Boat Regatta is exactly what it sounds like—teams build boats using only cardboard and duct tape, then race them on the Maumee River. No motors, no fancy materials—just brains, bravery, and maybe a bucket for bailing water.

This quirky, creative event draws crowds from all over Northwest Ohio and beyond to witness the spectacle of homemade boats navigating (and sometimes sinking in!) the river. It’s part race, part performance, and all-around fun.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025
📍 Location: Towpath & Maumee River, Grand Rapids, OH Canal, Address: (boat launch area) next to 24318 Front St, Grand Rapids OH
🕑 Time: Boat check-in begins at 12:30PM, Races start at 1PM
🎟️ Cost to Enter: $10 per boat
👥 Spectator Admission: FREE

Who Can Participate?

Anyone! The regatta is open to all ages, whether you’re a first-timer or a returning boat captain. We welcome:

Families
Friends
School groups
Businesses
Community organizations

It’s a great team-building activity, a creative outlet, and an awesome way to showcase community spirit. Team costumes, themed boats, and spirited cheering sections are all encouraged!

Awards & Categories

🏆 Prizes are given for:

Fastest Boat
Most Creative Design
Most Dramatic Sinking
Best Team Spirit
People’s Choice Award (voted on by the crowd!)

Whether your boat glides to victory or makes a splashy exit, you’ll be celebrated just for participating.

Here’s What You Need to Know:

MATERIALS:

The only materials allowed in the construction of your boat are; cardboard, duct tape, adhesive, water-based paint. Corrugated cardboard may be used, but it cannot have any wax, resin, or vinyl coating. Decorations can be made of any material but should not help the boat stay afloat or keep its structure together. Please complete the form below to register as a parade participant.

Boat Building Rules:

Only the items listed above may be used to build boats.
Design is the builder’s choice. Make your boat look like a race car, a yacht, dragon, flying saucer or the theme of the weekend . . . .’all ducked out’.
You must provide your own oar/paddle.
Each participant must wear their own PFD (personal floatation device) at all times when in or on the water, otherwise the team will be disqualified. Contact one of the event chairpersons if you need a PFD.
Each group/business/troop/family can have multiple entries.
Sides of the boat cannot be higher than the shoulders of the shortest member of the team, when sitting in the boat.
Team members must be visible at all times while the boat is in the water/
Team members who start the race, must finish the race without leaving the interior of the boat.
When a boat has finished the race, the team must remove the boat and any leftover cardboard debris from the water and dispose of properly.
Teams are not allowed to sabotage anyone else’s boat.
Team members must provide their own towels.
Children under 14 must have a parent/guardian in attendance.
Liability waiver must be signed by all crew members before race begins.

Pre-registration encouraged. Walk-up registrations accepted on a space-available basis.

Why Attend the Cardboard Boat Regatta in Grand Rapids?

If you’re searching for fun things to do in Grand Rapids, Ohio, the Cardboard Boat Regatta is the perfect summer event for families, adventurers, and anyone who loves a good laugh.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Maumee River, Grand Rapids is known for its small-town charm, walkable downtown, and unique festivals. The regatta brings together locals and visitors alike for a one-of-a-kind riverfront event filled with fun photo ops, cheers, and community pride.

Planning Your Visit:

Before or after the races, explore everything Grand Rapids has to offer:

Grab lunch or a treat from one of our local restaurants and cafes
Browse the charming downtown shops
Stroll the historic Towpath Trail
Make it a day trip with the whole family

This is a wonderful way to spend a summer day in Northwest Ohio and support a thriving local community.