Lake Ellyn Regatta Celebrating 20 Year Anniversary

A special celebration is in store as the Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta celebrates its 20th Anniversary. 

The regatta will be held June 29 and will include a number of ways for the community to get involved and celebrate, including a new paddle board race this year.

Former regatta participants, along with spectators, are invited to attend and join in the celebration, Mary Defiglia, Glen Ellyn Park District assistant superintendent of recreation said in a news release.

“Each year is special, but 2013 is even more so,” she said. “Over the past two decades, thousands have competed and even more have come to watch. We're inviting them all to return and join the fun. We want to see the whole town participating in this annual tradition.”

Defiglia produces the event with assistance from Glen Ellyn Park District staff and park district volunteers.

The new paddle board race will allow participants to test their balance while standing and paddling a cardboard paddle board 50 feet out and 50 feet back. The last paddler standing and with the fastest time receives a first place trophy. Only 10 paddle boarders will be allowed to participate, so early registration is encouraged, according to the park district.

In addition to the regatta and paddle board race there will also be a coloring contest for children 3 to 8. Children who wish to participate in the coloring contest will receive a 12-inch-by-12-inch piece of cardboard to create an image in any media the child wants to use.

The Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta takes place at Lake Ellyn Park on Saturday, June 29 from noon until about 3 p.m. The event is free to spectators. Paddle board entry is $25 for residents and $38 for nonresidents. Coloring contest entries must be done in person at the Main Street Recreation Center, 501 Hill Ave., during business hours.

Regatta rules, boat building information and online registration can be found on the Glen Ellyn Park District website and in the park district’s spring/summer program guide. The boat entry fee is $50 for park district residents and $75 for non residents. Each entry receives ten sheets of corrugated cardboard to build a boat. Entry deadline is Friday, June 28 at 12 p.m. For more information about the regatta and coloring contest, please call the Glen Ellyn Park District at 630-858-2462.