Manahawkin Lake Park To Host Cardboard Boat Regatta, National Night Out

MANAHAWKIN, NJ —Stafford officials said the township’s 19th annual cardboard boat regatta is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Manahawkin Lake Park.

Council President Owen LaRocca said boat inspection will begin at 4 p.m. and the regatta will begin at 5 p.m. at the latest Township Council meeting.

LaRocca said participants are invited to gather family and friends to build a boat and take it onto Manahawkin Lake. He said the rules allow boats to be made only of cardboard and duct tape. Boats will compete in pairs to determine this year’s “maritime master,” according to LaRocca.

LaRocca said the event will include a trophy, bragging rights and fame for top finishers. He also said there will be a prize for the boat that “sinks the best.” Registration is available on the recreation page at www.staffordnj.gov, according to LaRocca.

The regatta is being paired with National Night Out, which officials said will run from 5 to 8 p.m. at the park. LaRocca said residents can stay afterward for National Night Out and described both events as a way to bring the community together for an evening of fun and relationship building between residents and law enforcement.