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Rockin’ & Rowin’ Great Cardboard Boat Race

Event Information

Aug 15
2025

11:00am – 6:00pm

The Great Cardboard Boat Race is back on Friday, August 15, 2025, and this year it’s going to be bolder than ever. Themed “Rocking & Rowing,” the event invites the entire community to give back by voting, cheering, or constructing and racing a boat made entirely from cardboard and duct tape. Some will float and others will sink, all in the name of fun and philanthropy.

Presented by title sponsor NIBCO, and supported by major sponsors Welch Packaging, LaSalle Bristol, Viaggio, and Winnebago, the Great Cardboard Boat Race is hosted annually by Crossroads United Way to raise critical funds supporting families in Elkhart, LaGrange, Noble, and Steuben counties.

“This community loves to come together for a great cause,” said Bill Purcell, President and CEO of Crossroads United Way. “Thanks to NIBCO’s leadership as title sponsor, we are going even bigger this year and need everyone’s support to row towards real change.”

Last year’s Great Cardboard Boat Race was the most successful yet, with more than 70 boats competing and over $160,000 raised to support local programs. Top honors went to teams from Welch Packaging, Himco/Borden, and Utilimaster, while the Bristol Fire Department took first place in the First Responders Heat.

Event Details
Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
Time: Festivities begin at 11:00 a.m. and races start at 3:00 p.m.
Location: LaSalle Bristol Pond, 601 CR 17, Elkhart
Event Info and Fundraising: www.crossroadsuw.org/race

What to Expect: Action-packed boat races and epic sinkings, delicious eats from local food trucks, a silent auction supporting United Way’s mission, entertainment throughout the afternoon, voting for the People’s Choice Awards, and opportunities to donate and support your favorite teams. Whether you’re cheering from the shoreline, voting for your favorite boat, or helping your favorite team climb the fundraising leaderboard, every dollar raised helps local families thrive.