By Brian Stanley
Scheduling a sled race can be frustrating.
You need snow, obviously, but not so much that nobody drives out to get there.
Cold temperatures so the snow stays on the ground, but again, not so cold that outdoor activities become dangerous.
Everything else can be fixed with duct tape.
Actually, it has to be.
Cardboard, glue and duct tape are the only materials allowed at the initial Shorewood Cardboard Classic. The racing begins at 10 a.m. Feb. 23 on the hill at Cene’s Four Seasons Park, 25505 W. Seil Road.
For the last six summers, the pond outside the village hall hosts an event for boats made of cardboard and duct tape — materials that can be used year round.
“The cardboard boat regatta has a fabulous turnout and we figured if they make such great boats, why not sleds? They won’t sink,” said Katie Fitzpatrick, Recreation and Events Coordinator.
The event is free, but the village would like contestants to preregister by calling 815-741-7710. Besides providing an idea of how many sledders to expect, staff will also be able to notify registrants if the weather won’t cooperate.
“We just hope Mother Nature is in our favor. We want it to be a fun event and we won’t do it if there’s freezing wind or if it’s too muddy,” Fitzpatrick said. “But if it doesn’t work for Feb. 23 we will try to reschedule it.”
The hill has an elevation of 35 feet. There are no restrictions on the size of the sled or how much cardboard and duct tape can be used though only one or two riders are allowed. Paint and decorations are fine, as long as they are non-structural, don’t pose a hazard, and do not impact sled performance.
Wood, metal, hard plastic, nails, screws, staples or other sharp objects are allowed anywhere on the sled.
“We’re trusting our contestants don’t have skis taped to the bottom of their sleds,” Fitzpatrick acknowledged. “Please use your best judgment, and if you think something may pose a hazard, leave debris behind on the hill, or give your sled an unfair advantage, don’t use it.”
Participants must fill out an entry form and sign a liability waiver. Any rider under the age of 18 must have a parent’s signature to participate. Riders under 12 are required to wear helmets, which are encouraged for all participants.
Groupings will be established at race time depending on turnout, but there will likely be separate categories for children, teens and adults. Runs will be done individually and timed with a stopwatch.
“Having head-to-head races down the hill probably isn’t a good idea,” Fitzpatrick said.
T-shirts will be awarded as prizes for the fastest time, farthest distance and best sled design in each category.
The initial race will not be broadcast on the village cable channel, but Fitzpatrick hopes the Classic can become an annual event and expand with a hot chocolate stand and snowman-building contest.