2010-06-24

Cardboard Boat Races in Oxford, MD

circa 1935:  A baby and his dog have changed their allegiance, 'Oxford' has been crossed out and 'Cambridge' substituted on the side of his cardboard boat.  (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)


This year marks the 22nd Anniversary of the Cardboard Boat Races in Oxford, Maryland to be held on the shores of the Tred Avon River on Saturday, June 26th. Race Registration starts at 9:00 am and the races start at 11:00 am. The first race will be in memory of Doug Hanks, Jr. and will feature the Smith Island Crab Skiffs which are the only gas powered boats to race for the day. Following that the creative boat constructions made from corrugated press board will be tested for buoyancy. Every year a few sink and the contestants swim to shore. The event is held along the Strand in shallow water so all contestants can push their sunken sodden creations around the course. But with the crafty skills of some of the builders their exhibits of construction are most durable. Some of the crafts have been racing for over five years.

The event is held to have fun and raise money for Special Olympics of Maryland, and awareness for the host of the event, the Oxford Pool Committee. See: http://oxfordpool.org/boat_races.html. Admission is free to the public.

The featured races are: Iron Man, the longest race course, Battle of the Brave, where last years winning entry from the Coast Guard will defend its honor against local police and firemen. These races will be followed by the Corporate Challenge where local businesses have sponsored a boat, to be followed by the only trophy-eligible entrants, the Funny Race, where crocodiles, corn husks, battleships, etc. all compete to finish a figure eight race in memory of Police Chief Wally Jones. Chief Jones was an 18-year veteran to the Oxford Police force whose favorite charity was Special Olympics of Maryland. The Kids Race, an all-parents favorite, where only the young not the young at heart, provide the mirth for the end of the races.



Oxford, Maryland card board boat race information sourced from http://oxfordpool.org/boat_races.html

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