By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
This year’s Cardboard and Duct Tape Sled Race at Blackwater Falls State Park promises to be a bodacious time with this year’s theme being 1980’s Rock Bands. The Team’s mission, should they choose to accept it, will be to design and construct a person-powered, cardboard or corrugated cardboard sled able to withstand the descent down the sledding hill of Blackwater Falls State Park.
This year’s race will be held at the sled run Saturday, February 28th. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 10 a.m. with the race to immediately follow.
Sleds may be made of cardboard or corrugated cardboard. However, extremely hard cardboard such as carpet tubing is not allowed. Any style of duct tape is allowed, but must not make up more than 50% of the project. The outside of the sled must not be completely covered in duct tape.
Paint is allowed for decorative purposes only. Teams must be named and family friendly in design and attitude. Glue, resin, plastic and string are not allowed. The entirety of the project must be cardboard and duct tape. Creativity is encouraged.
There will be four award categories:
The Park Ranger Award: Best Theme-based, visually appealing sled
Spirit Award: The Team that has the most fun and demonstrates good sportsmanship
Speed Award: The Team that has the fastest overall downhill descent time
Epic Wipe-Out Award: The Team with the best overall “crash” on their descent
Times for each sled will be calculated until all team members cross the finish line. Participants may not push or pull the sled for the entirely of the race.
The competition is open to all ages, but participants enter at their own risk. Teams are made up of five members or less and entry is $5.00 per person. Helmets are required for all participants under 14 and encouraged for all other participants. Helmets are not supplied by the park.
Team members must be able to demonstrate or verbalize how to stop the sled. All sleds must be inspected for safety and compliance with event rules prior to the race. Registration form and waivers must be completed prior to the race.
For more information contact Harold Walters Nature Center at 304-259-5216.
