Events

Saturday October 3, 2009. A calm quiet beautiful morning at the City of Hollywood Marina. Everything was set up and ready to go for our 2nd Annual Cardboard boat race. The hot dogs were cooking and the water and soda on ice. The tents lined our walkway, inviting our guests to enjoy the shade as they put together their masterpieces of cardboard and imagination. All was ready.

Then it began with our first participants showing up with smiles on their faces and the will to win in their eyes. I knew this wouldn’t be an ordinary day. Before I knew it the marina was bustling with people getting their cardboard and building their vessels. I could tell instantly that each team was determined to win the coveted plastic trophy when person after person asked our staff "where’s the coffee, doughnuts and bagels?" Never before has such a group of determined people been gathered in one place at one time, except for last years event.

As the day progressed and the cardboard boats took shape our staff could see the anticipation building as each team waited anxiously for race time. The hunger in their eyes was evident as they approached the food trailer to get one of Billy Bobs Belly Busters. Fueling up before the big race. With their belly’s full and their eye’s on the prize they were ready, cooking with gas, so to speak.

I took one last walk through the marina looking at all the imaginative creations that our guests had made and I noticed something wonderful. The best creations made on that day were friendships, family unity and a spirit of community. That is what this event is all about and that is the reason why we all work so hard to make it happen. The feeling of community and cooperation highlighted by the spirit of friendly competition made everyone involved winners that day.

1:00pm Race Time:

The spectators gathered at the boat ramp in their own little race for the best positions to view the event. The boats led by one of the judges in a procession, made their way along the marina walkway down to the boat ramp in a spectacular parade style way. Each team showing off their ingenuity and creativity as they held their boats high and proud for all to see.

You could almost hear hearts pounding as they lined up in groups of three at the waterline ready to brave the mysterious waters of North Lake. The horn sounded and they were off! The first group of racers had hit the water running, paddles furiously splashing away as they made their way around the race course. The crowd cheering and rooting on each of these adventurers as their wonderful water racers glided along the lake like swans. Ok maybe more like cardboard boats and glided may also not be the correct word but no matter they were racing and with every round of racing the crowds were there behind them cheering them on. Round after round of intense heart pounding action filled the afternoon as these brave souls raced with each other to the finish line.

Race results:

First The City of Hollywood, Public Works Department and Marina Staff would like to thank everyone who participated in every stage of this event. You are all winners.

Second Annual Cardboard Boat Race was a blast!!!

Third year is going to be even better and we invite everyone who participated in this years event to come back and do it again.

Most Team Spirit goes to all of you who attended the event and made it a great day for all of us.

Most Innovative Design We don’t know how you do it but by some miracle you change cardboard and duct tape into fun and excitement for everyone. WOW!

Most Spectacular Sinking That feeling we get that sinks into our hearts when we see the joy on your faces. This is the reason we will keep doing this year after year.

To all of you who attended and participated in this years event, we know that all of this would not be impossible if it weren’t for you. The City of Hollywood and the Hollywood Marina want to say a very special THANK YOU to all. We look forward to seeing next years designs.

Mr. William Vulpis		Marina Staff		Lori and Zahra
Known as Billy Bob and famous for his "Billy Bob Belly Busters" was also the MC of the event. A man of many talents. Bill is the Operation Manager of Building and Grounds at the City of Hollywood Public Works Department. Thanks for a job well done and a hot dog that wasn’t.		Who day after day do their best to make us the best. Judy Felicetty Frank Rizzo Ed Scirghio Charlie Nelson Doug Weglarz Omar Vera and Mike Bentley We have a great team here at the Hollywood Marina.		Zahra is one of the boaters here at the Hollywood Marina and she volunteered her time to feed all the hungry guests. Thanks Zahra! Lori is the Wonder Woman of Public Works and it would seem the food trailer as well. Thanks Lori!