LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - Something a little unusual happened at the Live Oak City Pool on the evening of July 12^th "' The City of Live Oak’s annual Cardboard Boat Races sent children of all ages racing across the water!

Boats were made mostly of cardboard boxes and duct tape, but builders had the options to use cardboard tubes, packaging tape, string or rope as well. Live Oak Parks and Rec had some extra supplies available for those that needed them, with boat building beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Whether their boats were built on site or brought from home, the racers set sail at 7:00 p.m. Director of Parks and Recreation Luis Cibrian was on hand to outline the rules to racers with multiple Live Oak City Pool lifeguards there to ensure their safety.

Donning life jackets and taking paddles in hand, racers carefully loaded themselves inside their boats and steadied themselves for the race across the pool. Some had a little trouble, and a lot of fun, as they tried to get into their boats and paddle across the pool without tipping them over.

Overall, it was a great time for the 11 participants in the races and for spectators. First place received a $15 gift certificate, 2^nd place a $10 gift certificate and all other participants a $5 gift certificate to the Penny Candy Store, a local legend in the town of Live Oak.

This was the 10^th annual Cardboard Boat Races, with a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Cibrian says, “It’s a fun event – the kids enjoy it.” He continues, “The kids get creative and involved, the parents get involved, so I enjoy this event every year.”

For more upcoming events, like next week’s Movie and Ice Cream Night at the park, the evening of July 26^th, please visit the Live Oak Facebook page, or the city website at Liveoakcity.org.