Teams of friends and families will go head-to-head in a test of boat building in the great outdoors during an annual Central Florida event. The only materials? Cardboard and duct tape.
Kelly Park’s Cardboard Canoe Regatta returns to the chilly 68-degree waters of Rock Springs on Jan. 17 to see which of the hand-built crafts are the most spring-worthy. Sixteen teams of five people each will go head-to-head to race their canoes.
Registration is open through 5 p.m. Jan. 9 or until all spots have been filled; the registration fee is $50 per person. The only building materials will be provided by park staff. Team members must be ages 12 and older, but “boat artists” younger than 12 may help decorate and build the canoe; these young helpers don’t contribute to the team’s headcount.
Kelly Park’s Cardboard Canoe Regatta returns on Jan. 17 in an annual tradition that tests which cardboard/duct tape crafts are the most spring-worthy. (Courtesy Orange County Parks and Recreation)
Prizes are awarded to the race winner, crowd favorite and “most spectacular sinking.”
In previous years, participants have dressed in inflatable T. rex costumes and added shark or gator decorations to their vessels.
Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore will help to host the event.
Kelly Park’s Cardboard Canoe Regatta returns on Jan. 17 in an annual tradition that tests which cardboard/duct tape crafts are the most spring-worthy. (Courtesy Orange County Parks and Recreation)
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If you go
The Kelly Park Cardboard Canoe Regatta kicks off with canoe building from 8:30 a.m.-noon Jan. 17 and a race beginning at 1 p.m. at 400 E. Kelly Park Road in Apopka. Teams who wish to register can do so by emailing KellyCamping@ocfl.net. Public spectators can watch the events included with the $3-$5 per vehicle admission fee. More information: Call 407-254-1902 or visit ocfl.net or facebook.com.