Hannibal Parks and Recreation cardboard boat races to be held Saturday at aquatic center

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The eighth annual Hannibal Parks and Recreation Department cardboard boat races will be held Saturday, June 22, at the Ronny Ferrel Hannibal Aquatic Center. Registration deadline for the races is Thursday, June 20.

Youngsters team up to build their best cardboard boat and attempt to ride in their boats for as long as possible before the boat sinks. Boaters are tasked with building a functional craft with only cardboard and duct tape.

Emily Hultgren, aquatics director at the Hannibal Aquatics Center, said the event is fun for her staff and the participants. Hultgren said creativity and teamwork are the top requirements for a successful sail.

Boat check-in is 10 a.m. June 22, with the first launch at 11 a.m. Each boat must have two passengers, ages 6-16. Additional rules are on the Hannibal Parks and Recreation website, www.hannibalparks.org, or at the Hannibal Parks and Recreation office, 320 Broadway.

Trophies will be awarded to winners in the following categories:

• Fastest Boat
• Titanic Award
• Best Decorated
• Can’t Believe It’s Cardboard
• Tom and Becky’s Choice

Hultgren said the lifeguards at the Hannibal Aquatic Center help participants get into the boats and make sure they make it safely to the other side while also serving as judges for the contest.

Boaters can sign up at https://hannibalparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.