World Championship Cardboard Boat Races

The 23^rd annual World Championship Cardboard Boat Race is being held July 25, 2009, at Sandy Beach in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Although the exact number of entries won't be known until right up until the day of the race, Heber Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Coordinator, Ina Brown, said the excitement and anticipation of the race seems to grow more with each passing year, drawing more contestants from all different locations.

Brown said last year's race had 44 entries. "We had boaters from Texas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas," she said.

According to information provided by the local Chamber, the race began in 1987, as a tourism draw. The idea was to build a boat made completely of corrugated cardboard, capable of staying afloat for four heats around a 200-yard course. The rules dictate that the boat must be powered by the crew and can not have a motor of any kind. You can't wrap the boat completely in plastic or tape. Tape can be allowed at seams and stress points. Also, if you don't want to sink, it is suggested to waterproofing the boat might be helpful. However, nothing is ever permitted that might be harmful to the environment.

Those who man the boats are vying for the honor of receiving the "Pride of the Fleet" award. Another award issued but, perhaps, a little less coveted is the "Titanic Award." No explanation should be needed for that one.

Over the years, the boat race has garnered national attention through coverage by ESPN, ESPN II, Over the Edge, the Outdoor Channel, the Discovery Channel, Fox Sports Network and German TV.

In a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce, it was reported that in 2005 when ESPN filmed the boat race, the program aired over 21 times in a 36-hour period reaching as many as 88,000,000 viewers. Afterwards, in 2007, the Smithsonian Institute asked Big Fish Entertainment to film the races for a documentary they were making regarding festivals in the United States. The Discovery Channel came to Heber Springs in 2008 to film the race for a new program called Wreckreation Nation. This aired in February, 2009.

"Due to the economy, families are looking for entertainment and vacation spots closer to home. With all the amenities we offer in this area, we feel sure this event will continue to be well attended as well as grow in participation. It's a great event that encourages family and/or group involvement," Brown said.

The day's events begin at 10:00 a.m. Other events include the Demolition Derby, Tug o' War, a treasure dig, sand sculpting and a Watermelon Eating Contest.

You can find Heber Springs, surrounded by Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River, 60 miles north of Little Rock, Arkansas.