PORTLAND, OR – The Dairy Farmers of Oregon Milk Carton Boat Race returns to Portland's Westmoreland Park with a splash on June 12, 2011. This classic Rose Festival event features hand-made, human powered boats that float entirely by means of milk cartons and jugs.
Build a boat that's creative and whimsical to enter in the Showboat class or one that is sleek and slim for racing. Participants can race their craft in the following categories: Children (ages seven to 12); Adults (ages 13 and up); Family/Multi-rider (ages seven and up) and corporate (which includes businesses, non-profits and other loosely affiliated groups). The showboats will not race, but will be on display throughout the event.
Race day will feature local food vendors as well as dairy product samples from Darigold and ice cream paired with root beer from Portland-based Crater Lake Soda. Other event partners include Bi-Mart, Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Rose Festival, Radio Disney and the Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington. Spectators can look forward to food, fun and laughter with a family-friendly atmosphere. The event is perfect for the whole family with no cost to attend or to participate as a racer.
"There is no better way to kick-off summer and June dairy month than with the excitement and creativity of the Milk Carton Boat Race," said Pete Kent, Executive Director of the Dairy Farmers of Oregon. "Oregon's dairy farm families are proud to sponsor this traditional Rose Festival event."
Online registration is now open for the 2011 Dairy Farmers of Oregon Milk Carton Boat Race and early registration is recommended. Registration closes on June 8th. Details can be found at www.dairyfarmersor.com/milkcartonboatrace. Racing enthusiasts can also follow the event on Facebook at Dairy Farmers of Oregon Milk Carton Boat Race and on Twitter @milkcartonboat for the most up-to-date information.
The Dairy Farmers of Oregon combined forces with Portland Rose Festival and Portland Parks & Recreation in 2009 to revive the popular milk carton boat race, which had been a fixture on the Rose Festival calendar from 1973 to 2002. The milk carton boat race, which appropriately takes place during June's National Dairy Month, helps acknowledge the contributions of Oregon's dairy farm families.
Photos of the 2010 Dairy Farmers of Oregon Milk Carton Boat Race are also available.
About Dairy Farmers of Oregon
Dairy Farmers of Oregon is a program of the Oregon Dairy Products Commission. The Commission works on behalf of Oregon's dairy farm families who, with the help of 120,000 dairy cows and Oregon dairy processors, provide award-winning cheeses, milk, butter, and an extensive line of premium ice cream, sour cream and yogurt. Milk is the official state beverage of Oregon, and Oregon is recognized nationwide as a leader for milk quality. The Oregon dairy industry is a community-conscious, caring business that contributes to nearly $1 billion to Oregon's economic well being each year. Oregon dairymen and women care about their cows, their communities, and the land, air and water of Oregon. www.dairyfarmersor.com. The Commission also provides nutrition education through its program of the Oregon Dairy Council. www.oregondairycouncil.org
Source: Dairy Farmers of Oregon