Cardboard boats ready to take on Seneca

WATKINS GLEN-The Seneca Harbor in Watkins Glen will once again be packed with spectators as the famous cardboard boats test their construction and crews during the journey to the finish line.
The 24th annual Waterfront Festival will be held Friday evening, June 16 and Saturday, June 17. Friday, the 'Night Lights' event will feature a colorful waterfront with music and a number of food choices, while Saturday will highlight the weekend with the Cardboard Boat Regatta.
The weekend will begin Friday evening, with the food court at the lakefront opening at 5 p.m. There will be entertainment at the Seneca Harbor Patio, followed by the lighting display beginning at dusk. The Marina Bar and Grill will also be open for the night.
The festival will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, as the cardboard creations begin to make their way to the staging area. The collection of boats can be viewed in the parking lot near the marina. There will also be voting for the most popular boat, which is by donation to S.A.F.E. (Suicide Awareness For Everyone).
At 2 p.m., captains and crews will ready their crafts to take on Seneca Lake. The course will take boaters from the boat launch on the east side of the harbor to the finish line near the pier. The boats must be made only from corrugated cardboard with hot glue, duct tape and paint allowed. There are no cellular, fiberglass, plastic, wood or flotation materials allowed in construction. The contestants will compete for a number of awards which range from fastest time, to best sinking.
Admission to all festival activities is free, as is parking. The event is presented by Watkins Glen Promotions and additional information can be seen at www.thewaterfrontfestival.com.