The competition was fierce as locals hopped into their homemade vessels to see who could paddle the fastest in the Cardboard Boat Race on Sept. 14 at the Baldwin/Freeport Boat Ramp.
Maureen Lennon/Herald
The NaughtyLust crew put their water balloons and waterguns to use during the Cardboard Boat Race on Sept. 14.
Maureen Lennon/Herald
Spectators, friends and family lined the boat ramp off Atlantic Avenue in Baldwin to cheer on the participants and share in some laughs.
Maureen Lennon/Herald
The winners of the first race were 13 year olds Alexa Brooks, left, and Pegeen Friese.
Maureen Lennon/Herald
The JSTroyer was crewed by Jack McDermott, 5, left, and his cousin John McDertmott, 5, along with their fathers Kevin, left, and John.
Maureen Lennon/Herald
There was no shortage of creativity, especially for the guys who dressed up like historical figures for the race. From left, Dan Vako (Martha Washington), Brian O’Connor (George Washington), Connor McGowan (Abraham Lincoln) and Steve Hajny (Benjamin Franklin), set sail.
Maureen Lennon/Herald
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.