Ahoy, future ship captains!

The Manhattan Parks and Recreation Foundation (MPRF) is thrilled to invite you to our Star Spangled Spectacular—an exciting, splash-tastic event for all families in the area! Join us for a cardboard boat regatta like no other, happening every year on the Fourth of July!

Ready to set sail? This fun-filled event is perfect for kids ages 5-14, where you and your little ones can team up to build a super cool cardboard boat made from just cardboard and duct tape—two magical materials we'll provide at the event. Get creative and design your vessel for a splashing good time at City Pool! Teams will include one child and a guardian setting sail. Your entry fee of $35 will also include a tshirt to commemorate the event!

You’ll have access to some tools to help shape and cut your boat, but be sure to bring your own (non-powered) cutting tools if you have them—there’s limited supply of tools on hand. Don’t forget to bring your imagination!

We’ll have prizes galore for the most creative designs, the most innovative ships, and of course, the fastest boats to race across the water! Whether you're gliding across the pool like a sea breeze or showing off a wacky design, there’s fun for everyone!

Safety first! Lifeguards will be on-site to keep everyone safe, and we encourage everyone to wear a life jacket if they need one—safety is our number one priority!

This event is all about coming together as a community, showing off creativity, and having a blast while learning about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in a fun, hands-on way. We can't wait to see what amazing boats you build!

Avast! Here are the quick details:

2026 Star Spangled Spectacular Cardboard Boat Regatta
Friday, July 4th 2026
City Park Pool, 1220 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502
Registration 8-9am, Boat Building 9-10a, Races begin at 10:00am

If you would like to purchase a t-shirt without registering for the event, click here.

Regatta Rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Corporate Challenge