Submitted by Katlyn Mukuda, Assistant Aquatics Director
This past Sunday we held our very first Cardboard Boat Regatta at the Springdale Pool. Kids and parents of all ages worked extremely hard at creating boats to race (and hopefully not sink!) Our hopes seemed to be dashed when the storm clouds came rolling in. But by some strange stretch of luck we were able to hold our regatta later that day. The clouds parted, the sun shone through, and soon some of the most colorful and exciting boats began arriving.There were boats of every shape, size, and color. There were boats small enough for just one captain and others large enough to hold a crew of three! One boat had streamers and bright colors. Another paid homage to our very own Springdale Sailfish. The next boat was a pirate ship complete with a crew of fearsome pirates. There was even a terrifying dragon, ready to gobble up anyone who might cross its path!
Once all of our captains and crews arrived the race was ready to begin. The first race had five fantastic ships: Dragon Behind, the S.S. Moo, the Ro-Boat, the Floater, and B-Rad. The crews entered the water and the race was on! The Ro-Boat was the first to topple, but the crew managed to climb aboard and make it to the finish. The S.S. Moo had a great start, but soon took on too much water. B-Rad took off down the lane and left a few boats in its wake. Dragon Behind intimidated its competition, but it was no match for the Floater that sped down the lane and ended winning the first race in a mere 52 seconds!
The second race held some heavy competition. The boats competing included: the S.S. Holidae, the Pirate Ship, the Party Boat, and the S.S. Clay. The S.S. Holidae crewed by the lifeguards, needed saving right away as it toppled over and filled with water. The S.S. Clay took off down the lane (unfortunately because it was manned by one of the lifeguards, it was not able to be a winner.) The Party Boat made an impressive start before tipping over and throwing its crew of ladies into the pool. In fact, the Part Boat ladies tried several times to climb aboard their ship, but each time were thwarted by the rough waves! The Pirate Ship made the best showing in the second race and made it all the way to the end before tossing its crew of pirates into Davy Jones’ Locker!
After all of the laughing, splashing, and soaking wet cardboard, we finally had our winners. The Floater won fastest boat, Dragon Behind won Best Looking, and the Party Boat won the Titanic Award for Most Spectacular Sinking! All in all it was a fantastic day thanks to the crews of all the amazing boats. We can’t wait to do it again!
Written By: Anna Breidenbach
As a kid, I was always excited for summertime- the break from school, the pool, the annual summer trip! Our annual summer trip consisted of loading the family station wagon with our family of five, the dog and enough games and books to keep us kids occupied so as not to drive my parents nuts. We played endless games of Spy, license plate tag, and my parents even fancied us as the Van Trapp family and had us sing rounds throughout the car trip! It still amazes me that my sisters and I never made it big in showbiz- those long trips from the east coast to Iowa- we were ready for the stage!
Now that we are adults, there is no reason that we- members of the SCC- can’t take an annual summer trip- especially since all of the work has been done for you! You don’t have to map out the best route, or find a place to eat, or even worry about gas prices. You just sign-up for the trip (with payment), show up at the designated time and place and you are on your way. We have several trips this summer- one day, multi-day, cruises- you name it. Stop by the SCC and pick up a travel packet for more information. Or feel free to call me, Anna, at 346-3910.