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Elgin’s Parks and Recreation department continues to supply locals with their own particular brand of summer heat relief, bringing back their cardboard boat race for the third consecutive year.
Kicking off the city’s Free Fall Events calendar, families and friends gathered at Morris Pool this past Saturday to construct, race and inevitably sink their own boxborn boats.
The pool’s team provided materials for both youth and adult races, with stacks of boxes and enough duct tape for the eight contenders.
While some chose to focus on customization, with decals made of marker and cardboard flags, others did all they could to ensure their boat made it across the pool, attendees said.
“I just kind of go for it,” said Teddy Menke, winner of the children’s race.
Teddy’s boat was long and secure, with edges taped tight and a pointed bow, according to pool goers.
Teddy has been a part of the competition every year, but can’t recall if he’s won it before, he said. “I’m most likely going to be here next year, first I got to think up a name.”
The adult’s trial also saw four teams race across the pool, however, not with as much success as their younger counterparts, attendees said.
“We came here to win,” said teammates Sean Berta and Scott May.
While the duo did reach the end of the pool, it wasn’t before their yacht was almost entirely sunken, according to watchers.
The crowd and competitors cheered each other on in good spirits, everyone enjoying the chance to beat the heat, attendees said.
Elgin’s Parks and Recreation department is set to continue their fall events with an evening of pumpkin decoration on Oct. 7 at Elgin Memorial Park, 5 p.m.
Those wanting to stay active in the meantime can join the flag football league, starting Sep. 19, or follow along at https:// www.facebook.com/ElginTXParks for more upcoming events.
