Teams of paddlers will push homemade cardboard boats down the ramp at the Hollywood Marina on Saturday, November 14, when the City of Hollywood holds its Cardboard Boat Race on the waters of North Lake. The races run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 700 Polk St, Hollywood, FL 33019, and registration for teams carries no charge.

The event is organized by the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts. Every vessel has to be made of cardboard, built away from the marina ahead of time, and paddled across the lake by its own crew while spectators watch from shore.

How Teams Sign Up

Pre-registration is required and space is limited, according to the city's registration page. Registration opened October 5 for Hollywood residents and October 19 for nonresidents. Participants must be at least 5 years old, and a parent or legal guardian must be present for any minor who races.

Every crew member has to be registered online as part of the team. That includes the people who ride in the boat and the people who help push it off the ramp, since only registered team members may take part on race day. Teams pick a name and a theme for their vessel, and costumes are encouraged.

What the Boats Can Be Made Of

The city's rules are specific. Waxed or otherwise pretreated cardboard is not allowed. Cardboard tubes may be used only for decorative pieces such as a mast or a bow, not for structure. Wood, plastic, rubber, foam, fiberglass and epoxy are prohibited, and any paint has to be water based. Surfboards and paddleboards are not permitted.

Boats must be enclosed so the crew can sit fully inside without arms or legs hanging over the side. Each team brings its own paddles or oars and enough life jackets for everyone on board. One team member must stay with the boat throughout the morning so the races can be set up and the boats cleared away afterward.

Registered teams check in for an inspection starting at 8 a.m. on race day. Crews should also be ready to give the event host and camera crew a short description of their vessel and why they decided to enter.

Trophies on the Line

The city lists five judging categories. Most Creative Design awards first, second and third place. There are single awards for Fastest Vessel, Best Team Spirit and Most Spectacular Sinking. People's Choice, which also awards first through third place, is decided by votes from the people watching.

About the Marina

The Hollywood Marina sits on the Intracoastal Waterway about 200 yards north of the Hollywood Boulevard bridge. The city lists restrooms, a parking lot, street parking, a covered patio and open green space at the site.

Also on the City Calendar

Three days earlier, on Wednesday, November 11, the city holds a Veterans Day Barbecue at Corporate Pavilion 12 in T.Y. Park, 3300 N Park Rd, Hollywood, FL 33020. It is open to Hollywood veterans and active duty service members, and each may bring one guest. The city lists barbecue food, music, a banner plane flyover and a veterans recognition ceremony. Admission is free for veterans and their guest with a military ID, a photo ID showing veteran status, or a DD214. Others pay the park's gate fee of $1.50 per person for ages 6 and up. Attendance is capped at 400.

Plan Your Visit

Teams can register through the city's online registration system, where the full entry rules are posted. Questions go to the City of Hollywood at 954-967-4357 or [email protected]. The rest of the season's events, including the Candy Cane Parade on December 6, are listed on the city's special events page.

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