Waldenwoods, Rotary to Launch First Ever Cardboard Regatta

Handmade cardboard boats of all shapes and sizes are expected skim onto Lake Walden on June 25 during a new fundraiser for the Hartland Rotary Club, but a deadline to register is fast approaching.

The club and are putting on the event to raise money that would go toward funding its charitable community activities such ranging from literacy to senior care.

"It's going to be a wonderful event," said Frank Crouse, managing partner of Waldenwoods. "We'll have to see how sturdy the boats are as to how big a race course we have out here."

Prizes will be awarded for the best-looking boat, race winners, a destruction derby and the most spectacular sinking, he said.

There are already about 10 entries, including from the Hartland Insurance Agency, the Boy Scouts and LEGACY, the Hartland School District's alternative high school. The deadline to register is May 22. The cost is $75.

"Our science class is doing it as a physics project," said Kirk Evenson, principal of the school. "They are actually using recyclable products to make our entries."

Boats are built of corrugated cardboard using liquid nails, duct tape and waterproofed with paint and varnish. Teams will have between 1-10 participants.

Food, beverages and a bounce house are planned. A silent auction also would be held during the 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. event. In the event of rain, it would be moved to the next day.

Event sponsorships also are available ranging from $100 to $750.

Crouse said a cousin visiting from Georgia who had seen other rotary clubs hold regattas suggest it while looking out at the 150-acre spring-fed lake as they brainstormed possible annual events for the relatively new Hartland club. Already situated at a resort, the lake offers a beach and a large shallow area.

"We thought this was a natural," he said.

For an application and additional information, see the attached PDF or visit the Cardboard Regatta tab on the Hartland Rotary's website.

Questions? Contact Rotary Club President Karen Crouse by email at kjcrouse@comcast.net or Frank Crouse at (810) 632-6400.