The fifth annual April Tools Wooden Boat Challenge to be held at the Madeira Park government dock in Pender Harbour will feature lots of new things this year.
As usual, the main event involves teams of boat-builders who have three hours to create a boat from materials provided, using hand tools only. The boats are then paddled or rowed around a pre-set course, vying for first, second and third place cash prizes. As well, there is a Spiffy Skiffy prize (people's choice award) for the best looking boat, and the Broken Paddle award for the team or individual showing the greatest perseverance in the face of adversity. It all takes place at Seafarer Millennium Park (at the government dock) in Madeira Park on April 29.
This year the April Tools boats will look a little different. Here's the materials list:24 eight ft. 1x2s half sheet plywood one five ft. x 20ft. piece of polyethylene sheeting 1 lb. of drywall screws 1 roll of duct tape (of course) You bring your own paddle(s), staple gun and staples, hand tools and battery-powered screw gun. The entry fee is $160 per team. Deadline for entries is April 26. Call Richard or Jackie at 604-883-0539 for details.
Also new this year is the April Tools on-the-water scavenger hunt. For a $10 entry fee, teams (families welcome) bring their own hand-powered boat and paddle/row to specific spots around the harbour picking up required information on the way. Winners will be scored on time and on accuracy of the information gathered. The Scavenger Hunt will get underway at noon. Teams can register in advance by calling 604-883-0539, or on the morning of April 29 before 11:30 a.m. If you'd rather keep your feet on terra firma, plan to take part in the Poker Walk being organized by the Parent Advisory Council of Madeira Park Elementary School, as a fundraiser for the new playground. It involves a half hour walk around the community, picking up poker cards at various businesses, and trying to make the best hand possible. No previous knowledge of poker is necessary - just lots of enthusiasm and a desire to contribute to the new playground. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost to enter is $5/individual or $10/team (of up to four people).
And don't miss the opportunity to see, talk about and maybe try out various small boats that will be part of the small boat display, partly sponsored by Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives. If you have a boat you would like to bring, call Gary Foxall at 604-885-9440 to make arrangements.
Of course, there will also be the ever popular mini-boat building for kids, fish prints and other kids' activities. The Pender Harbour Rotary Club will set up their barbecue on the dock and tempt you with their great culinary delights. There will be an artisan's show and sale, and who knows what else?
The whole Coast is invited to this crazy salute to the coming of spring in the Harbour.
April Tools is brought to you by the Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society and generous sponsors in the community.
