Cardboard boats make a splash at Milburn Creek

Over 25 years ago, John Cools started an event to bring together community members to participate and watch people race in cardboard boats. Today, this event is still a huge hit.

At 11 a.m. last Sunday, dozens of people turned out to watch participants of the annual Cardboard Boat Race make waves in Milburn Creek. About 20 to 25 people participated in the race and over 100 people watched. This event started with the Freeport Baldwin Elks Club, but after they had trouble keeping this event going, Cools decided to step in and help.

“I used some of my own resources to keep this event going,” Cools said. “I used my contacts with the Fire Department, Sanitation Department, and local civic organizations.”

Cools is a fourth generation Baldwin resident so he knew a lot of different people in the community to help him keep this event going. He mentioned that the date and location of this event is the same every year and he makes sure to spread the word about this event through posters, ads, etc.

“A couple of hundred people just show up for a few hours to watch the race,” Cools said. “They cheer on the participants.”

The only supplies that participants were allowed to use for this race were cardboard, duct tape, and glue. Some of the cardboard boats are made to look like sea animals, pirate ships, and other eye-catching designs. The winner of this event receives a trophy.

“I personally purchase the trophies myself,” Cools said. “The entry fee covers the costs of the trophies and this event is not a big moneymaker nor is it intended to be a big moneymaker.”

Cool’ goal with this event was to make it fun and enjoyable for the entire community. He mentioned that there are people who only see each other at this event and they reunite with one another at Milburn Creek. Cools said that these people are called “Old Harbor Rats.”

“We love the ocean and this event helps bring awareness of the waterways,” Cools said. “And the Fire Department comes with their water rescue team and sanitation comes with their recycling truck and they take care of all the other boats and make sure everybody’s safe.”

This year there were about 12 to 15 boats that participated in the race. There were about two to six people per boat.