By Rae Ann Fields, Bryant Chamber of Commerce
The fifth annual Ken Palmquist Memorial Duct Tape Boat Race at Bryant’s 28th annual Fall Fest promises to be even more fun with a youth division that allows the addition of water cannons, flags, streamers, nerf guns, etc.
Already one of Saline County’s most innovative contest (if not the most innovative), the event pits racers against each other in boats made entirely of PVC pipe and duct tape, this new division just amps up the fun.
This year’s competition is made possible by Community Champions Candice Stanley Allstate Insurance and Brooke Andrews State Farm Insurance.
To help the beginning boat builder, the Bryant Area Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Lowe’s Home improvement for special pricing on a starter kit of 12 pieces of PVC, 10 rolls of duct tape and one container of pipe glue (only to be used on the pipe).
There are no size restrictions on the boat and the variety of the designs has been amazing – everything from catamarans to paddleboards. The boats will be raced, round a buoy and return to the finish line. Boats must be manned with a crew of not more than two paddlers, unless in the modified division.
The modified division was created to allow for parent/child entries.
Other Divisions are Adult, ages 17 and up; Youth Division 1, ages 11 to 16; Youth Division 2, ages 6 to 10. There is also a prize for creativity in boat design.
Chris Madison, Bryant’s City Attorney, is the builder of the boat that has won the past several years.
“He is drawing some stiff competition this year, including paddlers who are ‘friends’ wanting to take his title,” noted Dianne Jester, Duct Tape Boat Race chairperson.
Prizes are: Adult Division, trophy and $250; Youth Division 1, trophy and $150; Youth Division 2, trophy and $100; Modified Division, trophy and $100 and Most Creative Boat, $100.
Advanced registration is $10 and registration the day of the race is $15. Check in is at 10 a.m. and the race is at 11.
Fall Fest is in its 28th year and draws school groups, businesses, arts and crafters, talent, families and this year BBQers with the addition of Bryant’s Buzzin BBQ Bash. The Senior Adults start the day with a pancake breakfast. At 9 a.m. the fun begins as the Fall Fest parade enters the park.
All day, great talent will be showcased on stage. Acoustic acts are now being booked.
For more information or entry forms you may go to the Chamber website at www.bryantchamber.com or call the Chamber at 847-4702.
