Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, the Whirlpool cardboard boats are prepping to head back into the harbor. Whirlpool Corporation will once again host the 2nd Annual “Rock the Boat” cardboard boat races on Thursday, July 20th at the Inn at Harbor Shores, with all proceeds from the afternoon’s shenanigans destined for the United Way of Southwest Michigan.
Liz Door is Whirlpool’s United Way Campaign Chair this year and she’s pumped up, telling us, “Whirlpool Corporation is excited to host the second annual cardboard boat races to raise funds for United Way of Southwest Michigan.” She adds, “We’re looking forward to watching the event grow this year – with more boats, more volunteers, and even more fun for the whole family.”
The life-size boats are made of cardboard, duct tape and polyurethane, and powered entirely by human paddle power. Companies like Whirlpool, AEP Cook Nuclear Power Plant, North Pier Brewing Company, and United Way of SWM assembled their vessels last year.
United Way President Anna Murphy reminds competitors that, “This race isn’t just about speed. We have a panel of judges lined up to vote on Most Creative Boat and Best Themed Boat, so you never know what you’re going to see.” She also notes, “We are excited to be partnering with Whirlpool again, and we hope for another great turnout this summer.”
The crew at AEP, Cook Nuclear built the fastest boat – replicating a nuclear submarine – last year, while the United Way team took home the prizes for both Most Creative and Best Themed boat with their representation of the S.S. Titanic. The event is not only open to the public, they are strongly encouraged to stand along the inner harbor and cheer on their favorite crews, plus there will be food and t-shirts available for sale.
The deadline for those considering registration of a vessel into the competition this year is Thursday, July 6th with an entry fee of $250 per craft. Cardboard is already available to ship builders at Riverside LDC, located at 2000 1st Street, Building C in Riverside.
For additional information or to register your craft, click the link below and plan now to join a rollicking good time on the open waters of the St. Joseph inner harbor at the Inn at Harbor Shores.
Here’s the link: http://www.uwsm.org/rocktheboat
