Annual Cardboard Regatta displays creativity and ingenuity
The Jason Johnson Family recreated Big Boy to float the Weber after it visited Morgan on the tracks earlier in the day. Unfortunately, the 10-person Big Boy sank before the finish line, but it did win the “People’s Choice Award.”
In the annual Independence Day Cardboard Regatta over 25 boats created with only cardboard, duct tape, and standard grade paint raced down the Weber River to claim a share of the 2024 Cardboard Boat Regatta Awards. With only six awards available, not every craft won a prize, but every person lucky enough to line the banks of the Weber to witness the annual battle between creativity and ingenuity and the destructive forces of water, currents, bushes and trees won big. From the 10-person Big Boy Train to the two-person floating Pickleball Court, each boat brought individuality and a resourcefulness that represented the independent spirit of America on America’s Independence Day.
Many lining the banks of the Weber River were returning, annual fans, but others like Dennis and Donna Jeffery were first-time attendees. Although the Jeffery family has lived in Morgan for 18 years Thursday was their first time to attend the Regatta. “We’ve seen pictures,” Dennis said. “We thought it would be fun to watch, and it was!”
“I like all of the different designs and creativity,” he added. “Many of the crafts like Big Boy and the School Bus are a lot bigger than I expected.”
Of the 25 boats who began the race, six didn’t cross the finish line and sank, some more quickly than others.
2024 Cardboard Regatta Awards
Best Costume: Flintstones
Best Sink (Most Epic Fail): Pink Brides
Best Time: Pirate Ship (5:16)
People’s Choice: Big Boy Train
Super Sloth (Slowest Time): USS Trump (10:56)
Fastest Teen Driver (12-17 participants only): StarBurst (6:10) λ
