Each spring, thousands of spectators gather around Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Campus Lake to watch hundreds of participants compete in the annual Great Cardboard Boat Regatta.

Starting as a class project in 1974, the regatta, a cardboard boat race, has grown into a university-wide tradition that has attracted people from across the state, country and globe. By 1976, the race was open to anyone, including students from other universities and kids.

The regatta highlights ingenuity, with participants creating boats only using cardboard and a simple waterproofing material. The main goal is to complete a 300-yard stretch without sinking.

The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta has been replicated at thousands of universities and communities, but this worldwide phenomenon all began at SIU. Over the years, the regatta has drawn international attention with entries coming from as far away as Paris and New Zealand.

Join the action during this historic year on Saturday, April 26 at 1 p.m. Admission is free for spectators. Individuals who would like to participate in the regatta can register on-site the day of the event. For additional information and to learn more about the regatta, visit SIU’s website.