Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival, August 9-12, 2007

Cardboard Canoe Race
Saturday, August 11
4:00 pm launch by the Dan Emmett Birthplace Home

Canoe Race at the Dan Emmett Music & Arts FestivalAs part of the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival, local organizations and businesses will vie for the honor of being first down the Kokosing River in a cardboard canoe.

Two hundred years ago, many of the pioneer settlers of Mount Vernon arrived by canoe, and the canoe race is a way to recognize the importance the Kokosing River has played in the history and development of the city. With lots of tongue-in-cheek, the event will be a fun way to get down to the river.

The majority of the race will take place by the Dan Emmett House and will begin at 4:00 pm. The race start will be Grand Prix Style with all canoes on the bank and the rowers entering the canoes once they have been put into the water. Sponsored by the Weyerhaeuser Co., team registration fees will go to support support Kiwanis of Mt. Vernon activities and events.

Official Race Rules

  1. Racers can win only one of the following awards
         Speed Demons — first across the finish line
         Spirit Award —team with the best spirit/enthusiasm
         Vogue Award — best decorated/designed canoe
         Titanic Award — most spectacular sinking
  2. Each canoe must hold two individuals, one of which will be a parent or guardian if one team member is a minor.  Both individuals must be in the canoe when finishing the race.
  3. The race start will be Grand Prix Style with all canoes on the bank and the rowers entering the canoes once they have been put into the water.
  4. Each paddler must have on a Coast Guard approved life jacket.
  5. Each racer will have a signed release of liability form completed and signed prior to the race.
  6. Each team is responsible for recovering and disposing of their boat.
  7. In case of high water, all racing will be cancelled and awards will be presented based upon a float test in calm water in the three categories not based on speed.

Official Construction Rules:Canoe Race at the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival

  1. Have fun in the design construction and racing of your creation!
  2. Corrugated cardboard is the only structural material to be used. Weyerhauser will supply the corrugated cardboard and no waxed cardboard will be permitted. Paddles are to be made of corrugated cardboard as well.
  3. Clues: paint, caulking and sealant will be permitted but no membrane materials such as plastic sheeting of fiberglass will be allowed. Only one coating may be applied.
  4. Canoes may be of any size and shape, but must permit two people to sit or kneel entirely within the canoe.
  5. Duct tape may be used, but CANNOT be used to COVER the entire hull of the canoe. Only 10% of the exposed surface of the hull may be covered with duct tape.
  6. No asphalt based coating may be used, i.e. driveway sealer, etc.

Please note that the Race Judges will have the final word on the entries' eligiblity.

Click here for "Tips on Canoe-Building, From the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta."

Note: All schedules and events are subject to change without notice. Please continue to check our website for all the latest updates.

For more information, call 740-392-FEST (3378) or e-mail: festival@danemmettfestival.org
or visit the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.VisitKnoxOhio.org