Every year, Student Union Activities puts on a free competitive event at Potter Lake called the Cardboard Boat Regatta. This year, the event took place on October 1st on a sunny Sunday afternoon, with an attendance of over fifty people, including both competitors and spectators. Contestants readied themselves on one end of the lake while food tents and a voting table were stationed on the other, serving as the finish line.
Teams of students created a small boat of their own design, using only cardboard and duct tape. They arrived at Potter Lake around 1 p.m., and soon after, the competition began. One member of each time volunteered to compete in the race, while the rest of the team cheered from the shore. Around six teams actually participated in the competition, each with their own unique boat design and comically outlandish team name and boat design, from “Ship Happens” to “Boxy Lady” to “Lil Yachty, But This Ain’t a Lil Boat.” The architectural engineering group named “Noah’s ArchEs” even went on to win the competition’s best costume prize with their design.
When it came time for the race, two boats entered the water at once, while each boat’s time was recorded across the lake. Some of the rules were undoubtedly broken during the race, disqualifying several teams as they struggled to stay on their boats and opted instead to swim across the lake instead of paddling. Nevertheless, many teams managed to cross the lake with their boats surprisingly unscathed, but the task was anything but easy. With one paddle and a fragile, cardboard boat, competitors had to carefully row themselves across Potter Lake without sinking or capsizing, a feat that proved hilarious and difficult for all teams across the board.
Nevertheless, many teams managed to cross the lake with their boats surprisingly unscathed, but the task was anything but easy. With one paddle and a fragile, cardboard boat, competitors had to carefully row themselves across Potter Lake without sinking or capsizing, a feat that proved hilarious and difficult for all teams across the board. The biggest obstacle turned out to be the pools of lily pads in the lake, which were thick enough that every team got tangled, slowing them down significantly.
After the initial competition, attendees and team members voted for several prize categories while judges finalized the race’s winners. The prizes were various gift cards for up to $75 for the fastest boat, and marginally less for the other categories. “Lil Yachty, But This Ain’t a Lil Boat” won Fasted Boat, “M.B.S.G.” won Fan Favorite and Most Creative Team Name, while Best Costume went to “Noah’s ArchEs.” In the end, free food and music were provided, ending a perfect weekend afternoon at Potter Lake.