DAVIS, W.Va. – Sleds made of only cardboard and duct tape? It can be done. Anyone who can use those two common construction materials to make a person-powered sled is invited to take part in the annual Cardboard and Duct Tape Sled Race at Blackwater Falls State Park Saturday, Feb. 27.
“In an era of high-tech and prefab equipment, we’re relying on ingenuity, creativity, and the basic handyman tools duct tape and cardboard for winter fun,” said Blackwater Falls State Park Activities Coordinator Paulita Cousin.
The challenge is to design and build a person-powered, corrugated cardboard sled able to withstand the Blackwater Falls sled run. This popular event attracts dozens of racers who test their colorful and quirky creations and vie to be the first to cross the finish line.
“You’ll see an array of unique designs, with riders even dressing to match their sleds,” Cousin said. “In previous years, sled creations have included pirates on a ship, a sock monkey in a banana and even Garfield the cat riding a pan of lasagna.”
This year’s sled theme is Mystical Creatures. Head to Blackwater Falls on race day and you just might spy a unicorn, a sea creature or even West Virginia’s legendary Mothman riding the snowy slopes.
There will be three awards presented:
the Tip-Top Award for the most visually appealing sled
the Spirit Award for the team having the most fun
the Speed Award for best overall team time on the downhill descent
All ages may register to compete in teams of up to five people per sled. Children 14 and younger must wear helmets.
This is a good opportunity to make a long weekend at Blackwater Falls State Park, which has a 54-room lodge, 39 vacation cabins and more than 10 miles of cross-country skiing trails. Its quarter-mile-long sled run is the longest on the East Coast. For more information, visit www.blackwaterfalls.com or call 304-259-4833.