2024 Milk Carton Boat Race

Photo courtesy of the Royal Rosarians

Will it float? See who creates the most buoyant and swiftest homemade vessel at the 2024 Milk Carton Boat Race.

The annual event is hosted by the Royal Rosarians. You may recognize our city’s official greeters and goodwill ambassadors from the Portland Rose Festival. The family-friendly event invites everyone to come out for a day of friendly competition at Westmoreland Park.

Here are the details of the 2024 event. 

2024 Milk Carton Boat Race

The 2024 Milk Carton Boat Race starts at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, June 23 and is free to attend. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and some spirited competition as kids and adults race and show off human-powered boats.

The event features multiple categories for kids and adults. Each team constructs a unique floating vessel from recycled milk cartons and jugs.

Participants will compete for awards in seven racing classes. The most creatively-constructed watercraft will compete for the coveted People’s Choice Award milk can trophy. 

If you’d like to participate in the boat races, the entry deadline has been extended to June 19.

Schedule of Events

11:45 a.m. Opening Ceremony

12 p.m. Race Start

• Adult Single-rider (Race 1)
• Child Single-rider (Race 2)
• Young Adult Single-rider (Race 3)
• Adult (2 riders) (Race 4)
• Child (2 riders) (Race 5)
• Young Adult (2 riders) (Race 6)
• Mixed-age (2-4 riders) (Race 7)
• Child (3-4 riders) (Race 8)
• Young Adults (3-4 riders) (Race 9)
• Final Races (if needed)
• People’s Choice Parade featuring all boats. 

2:30 p.m. Awards Ceremony 

The Milk Carton Boat Race takes place at Westmoreland Park casting pond, SE McLoughlin Blvd and Bybee Blvd in Portland. For more information, visit the Royal Rosarians’ website.

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