Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Crazy Midwest Weekends: Cardboard Boat Regatta

I recently received an email from my husband filled with random Midwest festivals that were taking place over a few weekends. We didn't have plans for the last two weekends, so it made sense to find something to explore in our local area.

That, and with this whole nap transition thing, we've found that it's much easier to occupy Benjamin for the entire morning so he's not falling over for a nap by 10 a.m.

Of course the thing we found to do was both absolutely bizarre and interesting. So much that we needed to see it in person.

You see, people get creative when there are only 6 good months of outside exploring to do in a calendar year. They make large cardboard boats, cover them with duct tape, and set a team of people on them to paddle across a lake in the middle of a suburb. The commentator was the best. They obviously don't take this whole thing too seriously, but there were dozens of boats lined up for their race opportunity.

We'd hear various entertaining phrases like...

"Oh, that's not good."
"Well folks, we've just seen our first collision of the day!"
"And, they're down!" {about 1/3 of the boats did sink and were rescued by the boats you see in the background}




Only in the Midwest, I swear.

No more than 5 minutes into this adventure, Ray declares that he and Benjamin will be making one of these in the future for them to race. And probably his boy scout troop or something.

So who's jealous? Anyone want to come visit? In case you want to plan your trip, this is likely to be an annual day for the Wilsons. Plan accordingly. Weekend before July 4th. Book your travel plans now. This opportunity will fill up.

::snickers::

8 comments:

Caroline said... [Reply to comment]

I think that's adorable and I think you Wilson's are adorable for attending. Several summers back Miles and I attended flugtag, the Red Bull sponsored event when people launch their own flotation type airplane off a big drop off into water. Winners were those who stayed vertical longest before plummeting into the water. People are funny. Love it.

Caroline said... [Reply to comment]

Also I spy B in a sweatshirt (ha! Jealous) and loving on a huppy. Someone like the for legged creatures?

Caroline said... [Reply to comment]

Bah. Four not for. Ok, enough posting

Darcey said... [Reply to comment]

Hilarious...being from the midwest i have seen some crazy things, but my husband's company built something similar for the Red Bull Regatta and jumped it off a pier...something equally ridiculous.

Darcey said... [Reply to comment]

Just realized Caroline just mentioned it above...needless to say my hubby did not win

Nicole said... [Reply to comment]

That sounds like a blast! Totally something the Ramseys would attend!

Lj82 said... [Reply to comment]

This is so random! And I love it! :)

Brooke said... [Reply to comment]

The midwest is so charming and awesome. We make our own fun.