Start saving your milk cartons because the 2017 Milk Carton Derby is approaching! Bigger and better than ever, this quirky celebration of creativity and boatmanship features nearly 100 colorful milk carton boats of all shapes and design. Children, adults, families and businesses are all invited to build milk carton watercraft and compete on the waters of Green Lake for prizes and bragging rights.

You don’t have to be a sailor to have fun at this event! Participants and spectators can visit interactive exhibit booths, satisfy hunger with food vendors, meet Seafair personalities and more! Whether you’re participating in the races or cheering from the shoreline, the Milk Carton Derby is your chance for a full day of summer fun.

Did you know that 300 brand new, sealed milk cartons are available to each registered team? This year, Safeway/Albertsons stores are making it easier than ever to pick up your supply.

Fresh off the Lucerne Dairy production line, half gallon cartons will be available in the following locations and times:

Safeway
24040 Bothell Everett Hwy.
Bothell, WA 98021
Wednesday, May 24 from 12pm-2pm
Wednesday, May 31 from 4pm-6pm
Wednesday, June 21 from 12pm-2pm
Wednesday, June 28 from 4pm-6pm

At all 2017 Boat Building Demonstrations - See below for dates and locations

New to the Milk Carton Derby or interested in trying out a new style of boat? Join Seafair, its sponsors, and family groups at one of our educational Boat Building Demonstrations. For four Saturdays prior to the Derby, experts will be set up at an area Safeway/Albertsons with interactive displays teaching the tips and tricks to building the fastest racing skulls, rafts, and speed boats. Registered teams will also be able to pick up their 300 sealed milk cartons. Don't miss this great opportunity to learn from the pros! A giant thank you to our sponsor Safeway/Albertsons for hosting the Boat Building Demonstrations.

May 13, 2017, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Albertsons
13050 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133

May 20, 2017, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Safeway
200 S 3rd St., Renton, WA 98057

June 10, 2017, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Safeway
24040 Bothell Everett Hwy. Bothell, WA 98021

June 17, 2017, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Safeway
3820 Rainier Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98118

Saturday, July 15, 2017
08:00 am Registration Opens
08:30 am Event Starts / Races Begin
03:30 pm Awards Ceremonies
04:00 pm Event Ends

*All times are approximate and subject to change

CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS:
- Youth - Crew is to be between ages 8 - 13
- Adult - Crew is to be ages 14 & Up
- Mixed Age - Crew is to be made up of at least one Youth 8 - 13 & one Adult 14 & Up
- STEM - Groups specializing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
- Military - Must include at least one active duty military member
- Non-Profit - Must include at least one Non-Profit organization
- Commercial - An entry gives your group or company the opportunity to race with a company name, logo or slogan on your vessel.

GENERAL RULES:
- Each boat may only be used for one entry.
- 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.[/list]

The Seafair Boat Club includes more than 200 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.

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 seafair.com/p/about/270

Please support our charity partner!

Thank you to our sponsors Lucerne Dairy and Safeway/Albertsons.

For event-related questions, please click on the *Contact the Organizers* button on the left-hand side of this page.