The 45th Annual PCC Natural Markets Seafair Milk Carton Derby will take place on Saturday, July 11! Nearly 100 colorful milk carton boats of all shapes and design will compete on the waters of Green Lake for fantastic prizes and bragging rights. The Derby is highlighted by a full day of "competition" as children, adults, families and businesses build milk carton watercraft for show and racing.

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The Derby is divided into several vessel categories and age categories. A boat can be used for only one age and entry classification. And only once within that age and entry classification.

Category Descriptions:

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OPEN - Any style entry other than racing, military or commercial, OPEN is for entries where design took precedence over speed in the construction. It is still, however, a race to the finish.

RACING - Any craft whose design and intent is primarily speed. Skulls, kayaks, surfboards and racing type catamarans will be placed in the RACING category.

MILITARY - A special category for our military community. MILITARY requires at least one crew member of the milk carton craft must be active duty in the military.

GROUP & COMMERCIAL - This category is for Groups & Commercial entries. A $250 entry gives your group or company the opportunity to race with a company name, logo or slogan on your vessel. Take the challenge and race to glory on the formidable waters of Seattle's Green Lake. This category is NOT eligible for Showboat or other major prize drawings. Entries in this category must also meet the conditions of the Open category.[/list]

BB. Class Descriptions
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CHILD - Crew is to be between ages 8 - 13 (end of the 13th year)

ADULT - Crew is to be ages 14 & Up

FAMILY - Crew is to be made up of at least One Child 8 - 13 & One Adult 14 & Up[/list]

Boat construction requires a minimum of 50 one-half gallon milk cartons for each entry, except in the Commercial category where a minimum of 100 one-half gallon cartons is required.

Only the following types of cartons may be used to provide flotation: One-half gallon, One gallon milk or juice cartons or One gallon plastic milk or juice jugs.

All milk cartons must be original form. Cartons may not be filled with anything.

Boats must be of homemade construction and primary flotation dependent upon milk cartons. Waxing, shellacking or covering the hulls with material such as plastic, packing tape, lamination or metal is not allowed. You may use chicken wire or plastic mesh.

Do not enclose the bottom of the vessel; leave it open so inspectors can examine your boat for compliance to derby guidelines.

Fixed oars are not allowed in the Open or Commercial categories.

Entry must have a pole or minimum 18" x 18" vertical flat surface to which an entry number can be attached on the right side (shore side / front right).

No engines or motors of any kind are allowed. Propulsion power or any other kind of stored energy (i.e.: tank filled with compressed air or water) is prohibited. Sails will be for decoration only and not for power. Human power only.

Any propeller or mechanical device must be covered by a protective enclosure. This includes chains, belts, paddle wheels, side wheels, sprockets, etc.

Please arrive at least one hour ahead of the event you plan to enter. Entries must be classified and inspected prior to registration. Registration closes 30 minutes prior to each event.

Please plan on having your vessel staged for the afternoon Parade of Boats (Show Boat Award Judging). This is not mandatory, but we encourage your participation.

All participants must sign a waiver/release form before inspection and turn it in on-site at registration. If you are a participant under the age of 18, a parent or guardian is required to sign the form.

No one under the age of eight (8) is permitted on board an entry unless accompanied by an adult.

Each participant must wear a U.S. Coast guard approved life jacket while in/on the water. Please have life jackets on or with you at time of inspection. Ski belts are not acceptable.

Inspectors will classify each boat prior to registration and will inspect each vessel to make sure that it fits within the rules and safety guidelines outlined above. Racing style boats will be entered into the Racing Category only.

Contestants will begin the race in/on their boats at the starting line indicated by the starting buoys. Any boat crossing the starting line early may be disqualified. Boats must remain in their own lanes. Judges may disqualify vessels impeding the progress of others.

Nothing is to be thrown or released from boats while in the water. Decorations must be firmly attached. Violation is an automatic disqualification.

Boats must stay inside the designated course.

Vessels must remain in the same configuration for all events.

Entrants are expected to remove and transport their entry away from the site, or disassemble on site and use the garbage dumpster provided by the boat launch area to dispose of all materials. Your help in keeping the area clean is appreciated.

Awards for Showboats are based on creative use of milk cartons, originality and workmanship. The use of creative materials, design and methods of movement is encouraged.

Awards for all other categories are based on speed and will be awarded to the first entrant who crosses

Participants must be present to win prizes.

[*]Any boat not built according to Seafair Milk Carton Derby Rules may be disqualified. Decisions of the committee are final.[/ulist]

8:00 AM - Registration and Inspection Open for all events
9:30 AM - National Anthem performed

MORNING RACES
9:30 AM - Zico Seafair SUP Advanced & Novice Race
10:15 AM - PCC Natural Markets Seafair MCD Open Category
10:45 AM - Zico Seafair SUP Team Relay / ArtsFund Team Challenge I - Build Begins
11:00 AM - PCC Natural Markets Seafair MCD Racing Category
11:30 AM - PCC Natural Markets Seafair MCD Group/Commercial Category

12:00 PM - Morning Race Awards at the HomeStreet Bank Stage / Kid's Programming - Moo'ing & Hula Hoop Contests!

AFTERNOON RACES
12:45 PM - ArtsFund Team Challenge II - Boat Build Begins
1:00 PM - Parade of Boats for Showboat Award Judging (non-racing)
1:30 PM - PCC Natural Markets Seafair Military Category
1:45 PM - ArtsFund Team Challenge II - Race
2:00 PM - PCC Natural Markets Seafair MCD Racing & Open Category FINALS
3:00 PM - Afternoon Awards Ceremony at the HomeStreet Bank Stage

*All times subject to change

PCC Natural Markets began as a food-buying club of 15 families in 1953. Today, it's the largest consumer-owned natural food retail co-operative in the United States. PCC has nine stores in the Puget Sound region and is owned by nearly 49,000 members who shop (along with thousands of non-members) in our neighborhood locations and value our commitment to: preserving high-quality food standards, supporting local, sustainable agriculture, celebrating food, educating consumers, embracing sustainability and building community.

-PCC Natural Markets: PCC Fruit Cup: PCC Natural Markets has created a special prize for the boat with the best "PCC Fruit
Cup" theme. Design your entry to showcase your favorite fruits or vegetables. Prizes Include: First Place: $100 PCC Natural Markets gift cards (up to four per winning team); Second Place: $50 PCC Natural Markets gift cards (up to four per winning team); Third Place: $25 PCC Natural Markets gift cards (up to four per winning team).

-The ArtsFund Celebrates Creativity Award- Set your imagination afloat!: Follow your inspiration and showcase your creativity! The ArtsFund Celebrates Creativity Award highlights our community's innovation and artistry. All Showboat entries are eligible for the ArtsFund Celebrates Creativity Award, and prizing is offered in 3 categories: Youth, General and Military. Join ArtsFund in celebrating creativity at the Milk Carton Derby and set your imagination afloat!

Thank you event sponsors: Alaska Airlines, Albert Lee Appliance, AM 880 KIXI Music - As Cool Now As It Was Then, ArtsFund, Busby Junk Removal, Compton Lumber, HomeStreet Bank, KIRO 7 Eyewitness News, KKNW - Alternative Talk 1150AM, Korb Design, MetroPCS, Movin 92.5 All The Hits!, Northwest Marine Trade Association, Oberto, Olympus Press, PCC Natural Markets., Seattle Magazine, Seattle Post Intelligencer, Starbucks, TalkingRain Beverage Company, The Boeing Company, The New Click 98.9 - Modern Music, Tulalip Resort Casino, Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria, Urban Surf, Warm 106.9 FM Today's Soft Favorites, ZICO Coconut Water.

The Seafair Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable partner of the Seafair Festival, was established to create and build opportunities for Seafair's youth education, cultural and community engagement programs. Our mission is to empower our future leaders and connect Greater Puget Sound through unique experiences. The Seafair Foundation is passionate about celebrating the culture and unique assets of your community, which contributes to the quality of life for those who live, work and play here.
To find out how you can make a difference, visit seafairfoundation.org.

Please support our charity partner!

The Seafair Boat Club includes more than 2,000 volunteers that support the water-oriented activities of Seafair. The club oversees water activities and safety at the Seafair Milk Carton Derby, Seafair Weekend Featuring the Albert Lee Cup & Boeing Air Show and the Seafair & 76 Seafair Holiday Cruise. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Seafair Boat Club.