Cardboard Boat Regatta

Celebrating its 20^th year, the Cardboard Boat Race has grown from a local festival to attract international competition, with boaters coming from as far as Finland to participate. The concept? Make a human-​sized boat only using cardboard, duct tape, and paint. On race day, a team member must row the boat 250 feet down the Ohio River to the finish line… without sinking. With over 100 different boats and 22 awards, the Cardboard Boat Race is definitely a sight to behold.
Boats come in all shapes in sizes and spans across all age ranges: kids to retirees. Many boats are built in an aerodynamic shape to cut through the water easily. Others are themed, and while not exactly fast, they are quite the spectacle to watch paddling downstream. Some of my favorites include: a giant cheese coney, a John Deere tractor, a giant coffee cup, a turtle, and a Chinese dragon.
This year, Channel 12 news personalities, Bob Herzog and John Gumm raced against each other in the local celebrity face-​off. There is also a paddlewheel race category, where elaborate riverboats race by using bike peddles to power the giant wheel. (And yes, these are still made of just cardboard, duct tape and paint.)
The Cardboard Boat Regatta is located in New Richmond, Ohio, a small village just 20 minutes from Downtown. In addition to the race, a street festival, Riverdays, is taking place throughout the main street in town. There are plenty of fried fair foods to sample and all the local boutiques are open to browse. The Cardboard Boat Race takes place on a Saturday during mid-​August.
Whether you’re looking for some kitchy entertainment, a unique local race, or just some fun in the sun, the annual Cardboard Boat Race is something every Cincinnatian needs to experience.