Cardboard Boat Regatta 2026
Cardboard Boat Regatta 2026
Kick off your Freedom Fest celebration with one of the most exciting traditions of the year—the 37th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta! Gather your crew, get creative, and race your way into Freedom Fest fun.
📅 Friday, June 26, 2026
⏰ 4:30 PM
Start the evening with this crowd-favorite event as teams take to the water in homemade cardboard boats to compete for prizes, bragging rights, and plenty of laughs!
🛶 Event Schedule:
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Move boats into place (must have car pass to access boat drop off location)
⏰ 3:00 PM: Crew check-in (in costume) for judging
⏰ 3:45 PM: Judging for Most Unique, Best Dressed & Ugliest Boat
⏰ 4:30 PM: Regatta officially kicks off Freedom Fest
🏆 Prize Categories:
Fastest Boat:
– 1st $350
– 2nd $250
– 3rd $150
Most Unique: $200
Best Dressed Crew: $200
Ugliest Boat: $100
Davey Jones Locker
(1st to sink): $100
📋 Key Rules:
✔ Boats must be made of cardboard, tape, glue, and water-based paint only
✔ Minimum of 2 crew members per boat
✔ No previous-year boats allowed
✔ Race starts from shore, around a buoy, and back
✔ Good sportsmanship required—have fun!
Bring your team spirit, creativity, and sense of adventure to launch Freedom Fest in the most unforgettable way. Whether you’re racing or cheering from shore, this is one event you don’t want to miss! 🎉
Upcoming Special Events:
- Fall Fest – 30 October 2026
- Tree Lighting & Winter Wonderland – 5 December 2025
