The 2017 Canal Days Cardboard Boat Regatta event.

WINONA LAKE — After the success of last year’s event, The Village at Winona and Fellowship Missions will be partnering again this year to host the Canal Days Cardboard Boat Regatta to benefit Fellowship Missions. Despite having only four boats register for the inaugural event, hundreds flocked to The Village at Winona to spectate. Onlookers enjoyed voting on their favorite boat designs, which included a fire-breathing dragon, a rainbow unicorn boat and a Star Wars inspired watercraft – and watching the impromptu “no holds barred melee” after every boat had successfully traversed the canal completely intact.

This year, event planners hope to have at least a dozen boats registered to race. “There are a few surprises in store this year as well,” notes Melissa Demopoulos, Community Relations Director for Fellowship Missions. “We wanted to get the crowd involved so we have a couple tricks up our sleeve to shake things up a bit.” For a small donation, spectators will enjoy opportunities to get in on the action without getting in the water, all while contributing to the work of Fellowship Missions to serve those who are experiencing homelessness in our community.

There are four categories to choose from – kids, youth, adult and corporate. Those interested in participating can register online at https://villageatwinona.com/2018regattaregistration/ where rules, regulations and the race waiver can also be found. Boat check-in opens at 10 a.m. with races beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018. The public is welcome to meet the teams, check out the boats and vote on their favorite from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.