Michigan Tech students will put their cardboard, teamwork, and engineering skills to the test, as the university’s Cardboard Boat Races return to Chassell Centennial Park on Friday, Sep. 18.The races will run from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with teams racing their cardboard boats. Before entering the water, boats will be judged on creativity and use of the Homecoming theme.
A 2018 Michigan Tech Archives article states that the Cardboard Boat Races became part of Homecoming in 2005. Students gathered at what is currently Kestner Waterfront Park in Houghton, and over two decades later, most of the competition follows the same outline, though locations and participants/audience have changed over the years.
“A lot about the races has stayed the same,” said Danielle Meirow, director of Student Leadership and Involvement. “We still race out and around a buoy and back in three boat heats, [even] though our location has changed from Kestner Park in Houghton to Centennial Park in Chassell.” Meirow also said that the longer beach in Chassell provides a better view for spectators.
Michigan Tech Archivist Lindsay Hiltunen said that one of the biggest changes over time has been the growth of the tradition. “The biggest difference I’ve noticed, as the old newspaper articles show, is how the event has grown in scope and attendance over the years,” Hiltunen said. She went on to say that early races mostly drew student organizations and people directly affiliated with the university. However, more recent races have attracted more people from around the community, outside of campus. “Town and [university] connections are strong with this tradition, and it is good entertainment for everyone, whether you are building and rowing or just watching,” Hiltunen said.
The tradition begins for most students before the race even begins. Meirow said resident assistants encourage students to save large cardboard pieces in order to foster interest for the tradition. “I think the real success of the event is in the late-night building time where you are practicing creativity, negotiating designs, and building relationships amongst your community,” Meirow said.
