Kathy Buckheit and Ann Hasse race in last year’s Canal Days boat regatta. This year’s event is Saturday, Aug. 28. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Shepherd.

Staff Report

WINONA LAKE — The Village at Winona’s annual Canal Days event will take place between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28.

The event includes the popular cardboard boat regatta in the canal.

Anyone interested in participating is welcome to build a boat using only cardboard and duct tape and enter it in the race.

The deadline to register online is Friday, Aug. 27.  People may also register for the race the day of until 11 a.m. Entry categories include kids ages 10 and under, youth ages 11-17, adults and corporate.

Prizes will be awarded for the fastest finisher in each category as well as the “Best in Show” boat and “The Titanic Award.” The latter applies to the boat with the most spectacular sinking.

Boats are required to be ready by 11 a.m. for “Best in Show” judging.

The family-friendly event includes craft and art booths, food vendors and kids’ activities with Spoonful of Imagination. The latter will be under the brick alley pavilion.

The schedule of events is as follows:

• 10-11 a.m. – Cardboard boat regatta registration
• 10 a.m.-6 p.m. – Craft and art booths
• 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Cardboard boat “Best in Show” voting
• 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Kids’ activities
• 12:30 p.m. – Regatta boat race

The event is in partnership with Fellowship Missions of Warsaw, which helps those facing homelessness and addiction. The Village at Winona Managing Director Nick Hauck said money raised at the event will benefit Fellowship Missions.