Local boat enthusiasts are encouraged to try their hand at building a seafaring schooner out of cardboard, duct tape and silicone for the Pell City Civitan Club’s Cardboard Boat Regatta, scheduled for Aug. 27 at Lakeside Park in Pell City.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m., with races taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  When boaters aren’t racing, plenty of live music, food and drinks will be available for those watching the races.

The event provides a fun way for boat builders to show their creativity and try their luck at building a water-tight boat.

“I think most people just enjoy seeing if their boat’s going to make it to the finish line or not,” said Randy Mason, a member of the Civitans Club and an organizer of the event. “I work with Centurylink in Pell City and this is our first year to build a boat, and we’re all excited to see if we can build a boat that can actually float.”

For those who aren’t fortunate enough to build a functional boat, awards will be given on the most dramatic sinking, team spirit and creativity, in addition to the fastest boat to cross the finish line.

The cost is $20 per boat for individuals and $30 per boat for businesses, churches, schools and other groups. Entry forms are available from Civitan Club members and at the Pell City Civic Center. Entries will be taken up to the day of the race, but for planning purposes, the Civitan Club requests that entry forms be submitted by Aug. 19, if possible.

Funds raised during the event will help the Pell City Civitan Club fund this year’s Toys for Children drive, which provides holiday gifts to families who may not be able to afford to buy any.

For more information, contact Randy Mason at 205-405-4781 or Matt Mitcham at 205-338-3534.