On Saturday, August 15, 2015, hundreds will gather in Aurora along the shores of Mastodon Lake at Phillips Park for the 13th annual ?What Floats Your Cardboard Boat? race. The event, which serves as the official kick-off of Fox Valley United Way?s 2015-2016 Fundraising Campaign, challenges organizations, families and individuals to create an unsinkable cardboard boat that is entered into one of several heats. As teams pedal or paddle their way to the finish line, fans cheer on and vote for their favorite vessel. Each year, the event draws uniquely decorated boats with costumed sailors looking to be among the fastest finishers or most spectacular sinkings. To date, 20 cardboard creations are entered, including entries from the Aurora Fire Department and Aurora Police Department, Caterpillar, Old Second National Bank, Hesed House, Hope for Tomorrow, Mutual Ground, Castle Bank and Presence Mercy Medical Center. Details: ? Boater check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. ? Fans can begin to vote for their favorite vessel at 9:00 a.m. ? Races begin at 10:00 a.m. ? First, second and third place trophies are awarded in each of six divisions: adult, business, non-profit, partner agency, mechanical and community. ? A special trophy is presented for the ?Most Spectacular Sinking?. What You Need to Know to Attend: ? The event is free and great fun for the whole family ? Balloon twisting, face painting and games for the children ? 95.9 The River Road Crew will provide music and giveaways ? On-site food vendors include: Dick?s Mini Donuts, Taco Movil and Nate?z Dogz ? Free water will be supplied by Hinckley Springs ? Free coffee will be served by the Salvation Army Mobile Canteen ? Attendees will also have a chance to ?meet and greet? representatives from many of the social service agencies supported by Fox Valley United Way donations Sponsors for this year?s event are: Old Second National Bank, Finishing Solutions Network, SmithAmundsen, Castle Bank, Rasmussen College, Caterpillar, Presence Mercy Medical Center, Farmers Insurance, Cano Corporation and the City of Aurora.
