PEQUEA, Pa. — It's all hands on deck at Sickman's Mill this weekend as teams try to keep themselves afloat—literally.
The fourth annual Pequea Creek Races kick off on Friday, when teams get their first look at the mystery boat-building materials provided to them and hatch a plan on the fly. Saturday is for building, and by Sunday, teams are ready to hit the creek to test their vessel.
"Snavely's Lumber and Howells Glass supply all the materials. Nobody knows what those materials are; they show up at four o'clock on Friday to start unloading the materials and that's the first time you get to find out what you get to build the boat out of," Joe Devoy from Sickman's Mill said.
The competition is a fundraiser for Music For Everyone, a community benefit organization that exists to cultivate the power of music as an educational and community well-being tool to transform lives, schools and communities in Lancaster County, organizers said. The Creek Races have directly helped the organization provide more instruments and music resources throughout the county, raising $25,000 since 2020 that has allowed MFE to provide over $70,000 in the 2023 grant cycle to 39 different schools and nonprofits.
"In addition to being for a good cause, it is a boatload of fun," Dr. John Gerdy, Music for Everyone Founder, said. "Sunday afternoon is just insanely fun. So come on out, you'll enjoy it."
Competitors will want to make sure their vessel is above board enough to stay afloat, but for some, making waves with their unique style is just as important. Fancying up their boats gives contestants the opportunity to win one of several awards handed out by judges during the Parade of Boats on Saturday: Best Costumes, Most Innovative Boat, Best Construction Technique, Best Overall Design and The Titanic Award (most likely to sink).
The community is invited to come spectate on any or all days of the family-friendly event. There will also be a rubber ducky race for the kids and the chance for attendees to award a People's Choice prize to one of the boating teams.
Teams have until tonight at 11:59 p.m. to complete online registration for the race.
The Pequea Creek Races will be held from Sept. 6 - 8 at Sickman's Mill, located at 671 Sandhill Rd. in Pequea. The schedule is as follows:
- Friday, Sept. 6: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Contestants get their first look at their secret boat-building materials
- Saturday, Sept. 7: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Build day
- Sunday, Sept. 8: 11 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Race day. There will be multiple heats leading up to the championship race.