06/13/2026
So - What is a People-Powered Boat Race - you wonder?
First some details about the race coming up on July 11 at Oak Park Marina.
A Huron People-Powered Boat Race – Celebrating and Making History!
Cardboard, plastic bottles, plastic tubs, milk jugs, orange juice cartons, aluminum cans, rope, twine, duct tape, water proof glue, decals, water proof paint (decorations are nice!), flags, boas, banners, and other trimmings are just some of the materials needed to construct a floatable racing craft. You will need some sort of paddle to propel the vessel that is appropriate for you and the vessel. You could use your arms, but that may alter your balance and speed.
Using the above materials to create a fun, spirited, thematic homemade boat is just the kind of vessel that is encouraged to compete in the Huron Bicentennial People-Powered Boat Race. This event will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Oak Park Marina on the east side of Great Sodus Bay. Registration is from 9:30 11:00 am. Races will begin 11:30 am. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Registration is FREE!
While homemade boats – the wackier the better – are ideally what will make this day a historically memorable and even hysterically memorable event, commercial boats – kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards – are welcome. All boats must be decorated. Costumes are optional but certainly do add to the flavor of the day and your craft.
All ages may participate. There are three levels: Youth – 12 and under; Teen – 13 to 18; and Adult – 19 and up.
Prizes will be awarded in the following categories for each level: fastest; funniest; best decorated; best costume; best sinking; and most historic/patriotic.
July 11 (rain date July 12)
Oak Park Marina 6483 Catchpole Shore, Huron, NY
Registration: 9:30 – 11:00 am. Races begin 11:30 am.
All participants must race with a life jacket. Please bring your own.
Food will be available for purchase.
To register visit: https://form.jotform.com/260796253743061
This event is sponsored by the Town of Huron, Save Our Sodus, and Oak Park Marina & Resort, LLC.
To get started on designing your boat - visit https://www.instructables.com/Make-a-Cardboard-Boat/ where the image for this post came from. You will get an idea of how to get started - then do some shipwright detective work of your own to determine the design that fits you the best. Above all - aim to have fun!!!
Town of Huron, NY
Save Our Sodus
Oak Park Marina & Resort
