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The Mountain Home Lions Club is taking recycling to the water this spring with the inaugural Recycle Regatta Jug Boat Race, set for Saturday, April 25 at Buzzard Roost Boat Dock on Lake Norfork.
The event challenges participants to design and build boats powered entirely by recycled plastic jugs, then race them across the water for a chance to win a real kayak. Entry is free, and competitors of all ages are welcome — but registration is limited to 50 boats, and spots are already filling.
How it works
Each boat must float solely by means of recycled milk, water, or tea jugs. Builders are encouraged to think creatively about design, whether that means a sleek, speed-focused vessel or an elaborate floating showpiece. The Lions Club has published a detailed how-to guide at MountainHomeLions.org that walks builders through the process from jug collection to race day.
The guide advises builders to start by calculating buoyancy carefully. A gallon jug floats eight pounds, a half-gallon floats four pounds, a quart floats two pounds, and a pint floats one pound. Builders should estimate the combined weight of their boat and riders, then add extra jugs to ensure the vessel stays above the waterline.
Construction begins with building jug modules — groups of jugs connected with duct tape, builders’ glue, or clear mailing tape — and attaching them to a frame made from lumber, aluminum, or plastic. The Lions Club recommends a ladder-style frame built from three eight-foot two-by-four boards, with one board cut into four cross-pieces. Nails are not permitted; wood screws, glue, tape, and zip ties are all acceptable fasteners. Builders are encouraged to sand down any rough spots on the frame before race day.
Once built, the club recommends testing the boat in a pool or pond before the race. Buzzard Roost Boat Dock is also available as a testing location.
Above the waterline, decorating is encouraged. Jugs can even be flattened and used as decorative materials. Builders should leave enough open space for paddlers to move freely during competition.
Where to get jugs
Community members can pick up or donate clean, rinsed milk, water, and tea jugs — screw-on lids required — at collection bins at both Harps Food Stores locations, 924 Highway 62 East and 2089 Highway 62 West, and at the Baxter County Recycling Center at 1306 Rossi Road.
Race divisions and awards
Racers compete in 10 divisions organized by age and crew size. Children ages 7-12 may compete as singles, pairs, or teams of three to four. Young adults ages 13-17 have the same options. Adults 18 and older may enter as singles or pairs. Mixed-age teams of participants 7 and older may compete as pairs or groups of three to four.
First-place finishers in each division win a kayak.
Beyond the race itself, judges will present awards for Most Creative Use of Recycled Materials, Best Team Spirit, and the tongue-in-cheek Titanic “Sinking” Award for the most spectacular on-water failure. Spectators will cast votes throughout the afternoon for a People’s Choice award, with voting closing at 3:45 p.m.
Day-of schedule
Check-in and inspections run from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with late registrations also accepted during that window. An opening ceremony is set for 11:45 a.m., with racing beginning at noon. Adult singles race first, followed by child singles, young adult singles, and then pair and multi-rider divisions in sequence. A parade of all boats for the People’s Choice vote is scheduled for 3 p.m., with the awards ceremony to follow at 4 p.m.
All times are subject to change. Participants are advised to monitor the race schedule posted at the information table and listen for public announcements throughout the day.
The event is free and open to the public. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early.
Registration
Online registration is open now at MountainHomeLions.org, where participants can also download entry forms, waivers and release forms, and the full rules and regulations. The event is capped at 50 boats.
The rain-out date is Saturday, May 2. For more information, contact the Mountain Home Lions Club at (870) 425-2266 or [email protected].
