City News Blog: Lakeland Cardboard Boat Challenge & Lakes Festival
LAKELAND, FL (September 4, 2025) | Get ready to set sail (or sink!) at the 20th Annual Cardboard Boat Challenge & Lakes Festival, happening Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Lake Hollingsworth Boat Ramp (920 Lake Hollingsworth Drive). Hosted by the Lakes Education/Action Drive and the City of Lakeland, this fun-filled event is designed to raise awareness and appreciation for our local lakes.
About the Cardboard Boat Challenge
This unique, family-friendly event challenges teams to design, build, and race boats made entirely of cardboardaround a marked course on Lake Hollingsworth. It’s a great opportunity for team building, community engagement, and plenty of laughs!
Participants can join in a variety of categories:
- Pre-built Boats
- On-site Builds
- Corporate Teams
- Community Groups
- Families
- Youth Teams
Whether you’re racing or just cheering from the shore, you’re guaranteed a good time. And don’t worry — if your boat takes a dive, the Lakeland Fire Department will be on hand for quick rescues!
Schedule of Events
|
Time |
Activity |
|
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. |
On-site Build Registration |
|
8:30 – 10:00 a.m. |
On-site Cardboard Boat Construction |
|
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. |
Pre-built Boat Registration |
|
10:00 a.m. |
Races Begin! |
More Than Just Racing
- Enjoy live music from the Sofa Kings, performing from their floating party barge pontoon boat.
- Explore environmental exhibits and local food vendors — there’s something for everyone!
To register, view official rules, or learn more, visit: www.lakeseducation.org/events-page
Questions? Reach out to:
sandra.pope@lakelandgov.net
jessica.schilling@lakelandgov.net
Come join us for a morning of creativity, community, and cardboard chaos on the lake!
Contact
Jamin Smith
Digital Content Specialist
City of Lakeland
863.834.6394
Jamin.Smith@LakelandGov.net
About Lakeland
The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population fast approaching 130,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State in 1889.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.