The "Smithfield Yacht Club" will open once again for the River Rat Regatta on the Neuse on Saturday, August 24 at 10:00 a.m. The event will feature a race between 2-person teams in cardboard boats from Smithfield’s Boat Ramp on N. Front Street to the Deputy C. Paul West, Sr. Bridge.

The boats must be constructed entirely from corrugated cardboard, glue, and duct tape.  Entries will compete in either the Youth (12 & under) or Adult Division, and prizes will be awarded for the fastest (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) in each.  There will also be an overall award given for Best Decorated and the Titanic Award for most memorable sinking.  The number of entries is limited, and participants should register as soon as possible to ensure they are able to compete.

Two Kids Paddle a Cardboard Boat Along The Neuse River

“We had a great turnout for the first River Rat Regatta in 2018, with thirty-three creative and mostly well-built boats, and an enthusiastic crowd cheering the teams on toward the finish line,” stated Gary Johnson, Smithfield Parks & Recreation Director.  “After seeing participants and spectators return to the regatta year after year, we can’t wait to see the entries that people have been working on this year.”

The schedule of events for the day is as follows: boat registration starts at 8:00 a.m., boat judging is at 9:30 a.m. with a captains meeting at 9:45 a.m., and the regatta starts at 10:00 a.m. Awards will be given out at the boat ramp at 11:45 a.m. and there will be a DJ spinning tunes for participants and spectators from 9:00 a.m. to Noon! 

The River Rat Regatta is hosted by Smithfield Parks & Recreation, the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, Smithfield Police Department, and Smithfield Fire Department.