19th Annual Cardboard Boat Races Festival

About this event

2025 marks the 200th anniversary of New York State’s very own Erie Canal…and in September canal enthusiasts from around the world will help celebrate during the World Canals Conference in Buffalo! Join us in getting a jump on the action with this year’s boat races and cardboard festival highlighting famous landmarks visible from canals around the world, like the leaning buildings of Amsterdam, bridges in Venice, or temples along Southeast Asian canals. Each boat could pay tribute to a notable building or structure that has defined canal communities…just like ours! Join us at Fort Hardy Park Beach in Schuylerville for a day filled with excitement and laughter as sailors of all ages compete in the ultimate cardboard challenges.

Witness the incredible ingenuity as participants construct boats entirely out of cardboard and race them across the Hudson River. It's a test of creativity, engineering skills, and sheer determination, and, back by popular demand, we’ll have an on land Cardboard Tower Building Contest! Recreate the Eiffel Tower, London’s Big Ben, or a Southeast Asian Temple out of - you guessed it - cardboard and duct tape and see who can get their structure the tallest!

Whether you're a participant or a spectator, this event promises fun for everyone. Cheer on your favorite boats as they navigate their cardboard vessels across the river, hoping to reach the finish line without sinking and choose your favorite cardboard architect as they work to make sure their building is structurally sound.

Bring your family and friends along for a day of adventure and discovery. Explore the park, enjoy delicious food from local vendors, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Don't forget to bring your sunscreen and a towel, as you just might get wet if you decide to challenge friends, family, co-workers - you name it! -  to compete for one the coveted boat race awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards for speed, the Titanic Award, Most Enthusiastic Crew, Judges Bribe Award (“Bribes” are considered donations to Hudson Crossing Park), People’s Choice, Overall Best in Show, and Most Sailors Left Afloat!

https://www.hudsoncrossingpark.org/cardboard-boat-races