Kids participate in The Village at Winona’s 2023 Canal Days in this InkFreeNews file photo. This year’s event benefitting Fellowship Missions is set for Saturday, Aug. 24.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE — People can once again gather cardboard and build boats to pilot on Winona Lake for a good cause.

The Village at Winona’s Canal Days returns Saturday, Aug. 24. Proceeds from the event will benefit Fellowship Missions of Warsaw.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the regatta at 12:30 p.m. People may register online to enter the regatta by clicking here. They may also register in person from 10-11 a.m. Saturday.

The full rules and a waiver may also be found at the above link.

People may enter in four categories: kids for ages 10 and under; youth for those 11-17, with one boat crew member able to be under 11 if there are two members; adult for those 18 and older, with one boat crew member able to be under 18 if there are two members; and corporate for organizations or businesses.

Those in the last category may enter more than one boat. Boats must be constructed of cardboard and duct tape only.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, people may begin to cast votes for the boat whose design they deem “Best of Show.” Each person gets one ticket for free, with additional tickets costing $1 apiece.

Along with the regatta, there will be craft and art booths from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and kids’ activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Village at Winona Managing Director Nick Hauck noted it’s the eighth year for Canal Days.

“We are looking toward another great event this weekend,” he said.

Fellowship Missions Development Director Brooke Skeans said the boat regatta is “a fun way to bring awareness to Fellowship Missions.”

“We hope to continue this fun tradition for years to come,” she added.