Last year, United Way of Harrison County’s nautical campaign theme lent itself well to the organization’s annual Cardboard Boat Race and campaign kickoff.

 

This year’s theme works perfectly too.

 

“Our 2018 campaign theme is ‘The Power of Community … UNITED We All Win,’” said Tina Yoke, United Way of Harrison County executive director. “The Cardboard Boat Regatta is the perfect opportunity for our community to come together. It enables community members to become a part of this movement, just by participating in the race and coming out to support all of the contestants.”

 

Campaign Chair Charla Nutter will head up this year’s boat race, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 10 at Maple Lake. Registration begins at noon with boats setting sail at 1:30 p.m. The race will feature competition in various divisions: Junior (ages 13-17) individual and team; family, adult, business and not-for-profit.

 

In addition to fastest time of completion in each division, awards will be given for Team Spirit (costumes, props, special effects and working the crowd) and People’s Choice, awarded to the boat which receives the most votes cast by spectators. Vote tickets can be purchased for $1 each. But perhaps the most popular award is “The Wonder that Went Down Under” – the most spectacular sinking.

 

In the past, some very creative boats have participated – utilizing various designs and themes. Anywhere from two to six people have occupied the racing vessels, Yoke said.

 

Registration fees, which range from $25 (junior/high school individual and team) to $100 for business division team, provide a jumpstart for the 2017-2018 United Way campaign. As needs through member agencies continue to grow greater, the campaign and the race grow, as well.

 

“We raised nearly $1,000 (last year) and hope to exceed that this year by having more participants,” Yoke said. “We are very grateful to the Maple Lake community for allowing us to have the race there. It has enabled us to have more contestants because it is a bigger lake.”

 

The race and associated activities, including refreshments, music and vendors, is expected to last through 5 p.m.

  

Boats must be made entirely of cardboard and will be timed in their completion of their trek across the lake. 

 

Sponsorships are also being sought. Businesses can serve as an Admiral sponsor for $400; a Captain sponsor for $200 and a Sailor sponsor for $100.

 

See more details, include registration fees or download a registration packet at the United Way Web site HERE.