The 2026 Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Peconic Riverfront in downtown Riverhead. The rain date is Sunday, Aug. 2.
Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and races start at 11 a.m. The family-friendly event, part of Riverhead’s America 250/U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration, invites participants to build cardboard boats and race them on the Peconic River. The event will also feature music, face painting, games, contests, trophies and prizes.
Pre-registration is required and must be completed online through the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce. The registration fee is $25 per boat, which includes the captain, and $10 for each additional crew member. A T-shirt is included in the entry fee for registered crew members; T-shirts will also be available for purchase by “landlubbers” for $25.
Race divisions include Youth Regatta, for crews age 12 and under; Grand National Regatta, for crews over age 12; Yacht Club Regatta, for mixed-age crews; and the Outlaw Race, for boats still afloat after their first race. First-, second- and third-place winners will be announced in each division.
Special awards will include Best Spirit, Titanic Sinking, People’s Choice, Best Constructed — no tubes — Best Captain, Most Creative, Commander’s Choice and a special America 250 award.
Registration is now open on theRiverhead Chamber of Commerce website.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
Source: RiverheadLOCAL
