The United Way of Southwest Michigan is looking for teams to take part in this summer’s Rock the Boat cardboard boat races.
The United Way’s Erin Glaske tells us the event is now entering its third year since being brought back after a pause during COVID, seeking brave volunteers to build their own cardboard boats to be raced in the river basin right in front of the Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joe.
“It’s just really funny to watch,” Glaske said. “Some make it and some don’t. So that’s always the fun element. Will they sink or will they make it all the way?”
Glaske says there are general instructions that must be followed when the teams construct their craft, but for the most part, they’re welcome to be creative.
“Some teams really go for the fun, creative element, and they’re just looking for more of the visual approach to the boat and not the functionality. Some teams really go for functionality, and you see those canoe, kayak-style boats, and those ones tend to make it a little further, but we’re all here for fun, so either approach is great.”
This year’s theme is “Goes to Summer Camp,” giving teams a chance to win an award for constructing a boat that reflects that idea, but it’s not required.
Glaske says all proceeds from the Rock the Boat cardboard boat races support United Way programming, with last year’s event raising $45,000.
The races are set for July 16 and the United Way is hoping to sign up at least 25 teams from businesses, civic organizations, and non-profits. Right now, they’ve got 14.
