Events and Activities : Cardboard Boat Races set for July 27

Cardboard boating: Sophia Vasquez in replica USS Keokuk, a 2-turreted ironclad steamship from 1862.

Max Vasquez in the cardboard USS Keokuk. Keel, iron cladding, and turret hats to be added!

Vinton Today Editor Dean Close hopes other adults will challenge 'Dinghy Dean.'

Area cardboard boat builders (and beginners) are preparing for Saturday's VPRD boat race.

On Saturday, July 27, The Vinton Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting its annual Cardboard Boat Races at the Vinton Community Swimming Pool.

Boats must be made entirely out of cardboard and duct tape and are eligible to compete in one of the following race categories: 13 & Under (single-person boat), 14 & up (single person boat), and the Doubles Competition (two person boat - all ages welcome!).

There is no cost to enter your boat into the competition and boat drivers also get into the pool for free! Registration of your boat will take place from 6 PM - 6:45 PM on the day of the race and the competitions will begin at 7 PM. There will be prizes awarded for overall race winners along with some other fun race categories! Please pick up a registration form for rules.

USS Keokuk

The Martinez-Vasquez family members have been regular participants in the VPRD Cardboard Boat Races, and this year, Alex, Tina, Max and Sophia are working on a replica of the 1862 ironclad steamer USS Keokuk. This ship was part of the Union fleet in the First Battle of Charleston, where it was sunk; confederate forces later used two of her guns.

"The Keokuk sunk in battle in 1863. Hopefully this one doesn't founder," says Tina.

The family enjoys the challenge, says Tina.

"A cardboard boat race really captures the essence of the thrill of victory (not sinking) and the agony of defeat (sinking while spectators cheer and laugh)," she says. "It's definitely family fun."