Launch your boat in the first-ever ‘Whatever Floats Your Boat Regatta’

HART — Hansen Foods has partnered with the Hart Main Street Program to bring a brand new event to downtown Hart.

The first ever “Whatever Floats Your Boat” Regatta is set for Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. until noon on Hart Lake. “And we do mean ‘whatever,’” said Event Organizer, Dave Hansen. “Start collecting your recyclables and buying rolls of duct tape…this will be a fun-filled day on Hart Lake! Watch from the bridge, or build your own boat to show off.”

Regatta participants are challenged to build a floating boat out of recyclable materials…cardboard, empty water bottles, Styrofoam … anything that will “float your boat.”

Registration is free, and all sorts of entries are encouraged. Build a boat with your friends or family, or get your employer to sponsor a boat that represents their business. School groups and organizations can get creative in designing an entry. “Even though this is going to be a real hoot, we will be strict about ‘Safety First,’” cautioned Hart Main Street Program Manager, Ingrid Pearson. “All boat crews will be required to wear shoes and have safety flotation devices aboard their entries. Sheriff Bob Farber’s Water Rescue Team led by deputy Tim Simon will be on Hart Lake, just in case.”

“We’ll have trophies for all sorts of categories,” said Hansen. “There will be trophies for the most creative boat, the best costumed crew, the fastest boat, and the “Stinker Sinker” Trophy for the first boat that falls apart…half the fun is just coming up with the categories.”

“We want to see a Hart Pirate entry, a Shelby Tiger entry … all the school mascots from the area should be represented. And what about business entries? There will of course be a Hansen Foods entry. “

“It’s always a pleasure to partner with Dave on events,” said Pearson. “He brings fun to life, and is always eager to give back to the community. Hansen Foods has been a supporter of the Main Street Program since its inception.”

“We are really excited to work with him on the regatta. His generous support enables us to bring fun events like this to the community free of charge. We are already brainstorming ideas for the ‘HMS Main Street’ entry.”

Start working on your boat design now. Dave will make cardboard available at Hansen Foods. Bring your imagination, and stay tuned for more details. Entry forms will be available at Hansen Foods and the Hart Main Street office downtown.Call the Hart Main Street office for more information at 231-301-8449.