Creative boats take to the water

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The cardboard boats were eccentric and the outfits of many weren’t exactly formal at the Cardboard Boat Race on Sept. 14 at the Baldwin/Freeport Boat Ramp.

More than 200 people lined the boat ramp off Atlantic Avenue as locals hopped into their homemade cardboard vessels. The event, which Leg. Laura Curran (D-Baldwin), the Baldwin Fire Department and Sanitary District No. 2 co-sponsored, featured two races — one for children and one for adults.

The first race began at noon and there was a suggested donation of $10 for participants. The proceeds will go to Operation SPLASH.

The only approved materials for the boats were cardboard, duct tape and rope or string. The oars had to be made from a recycled material. The boats were powered by between one and five people and winners received trophies.

Sani2 was on hand to recycle the soggy cardboard and the BFD had a boat in the water in case there were any problems, but there were none.