Play ADK will host the 2025 Saranac Lake Corrugated Cup Cardboard Boat Race on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Riverfront Park in Saranac Lake. This family-friendly fundraiser promises a day of creative fun and friendly competition.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., participants can register to race and build their own boats with supplies provided at the park. For those who pre-build their boats, lineup begins promptly at 2 p.m. At this time, the public will be invited to cast their votes for the People’s Choice award for the best-designed boat. The races will start at 3 p.m., with contestants paddling a short, marked loop on Lake Flower. An awards ceremony will follow once all the races are complete.

The cost to race is a suggested donation of $25-$50 per boat with all proceeds supporting Play ADK’s Clubhouse and community programming. Register, view the race rules and get building tips at playadk.org/cardboard.

As part of Celebrate Paddling in Saranac Lake, this event is co-hosted by local outfitters, paddling organizations and guides including Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters (ALTO), the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT), Guide ADK and St. Regis Canoe Outfitters (SRCO), all of which will help the event run smoothly and provide race winners with awesome schwag.

Duff’s Dumpsters provides cardboard, a dumpster for clean up and additional event support. Nori’s Village Market has generously donated gift cards for race winners.

About Play ADK

Play ADK is transforming a historic warehouse and large industrial site on Depot Street in Saranac Lake into a 15,000-square-foot center for play – a place where kids grow through play, imaginations flourish and caregivers get the support they need. Featuring interactive and inclusive indoor and outdoor play spaces, an integrated family resource center and more, Play ADK will be a cornerstone for families across the Tri-Lakes region and beyond.

Play ADK currently runs programming at their Clubhouse located at 84 Main St, Saranac Lake, and at several community events including Northern Current Music Festival on Sunday, Aug. 31. Learn more at playadk.org/clubhouse.

This programming is supported by Adirondack Community Foundation’s Generous Acts, Adirondack for Kids, Duff’s Dumpsters, Casella Waste and many others. See a full list of Clubhouse sponsors or become a sponsor at playadk.org/clubhouse-sponsor.

Fundraising continues as Play ADK looks to secure funding to bring the project to completion. If you’re interested in supporting Play ADK with a charitable gift, or want to learn more, visit playadk.org or contact Rob Carr at robcarr@playadk.org or 518-888-2702.