Duct-taped cardboard boat crosses canal in Holley Regatta

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Boy Scouts in Troop 62 in Holley, Gunner Knight in yellow vest and Jack Breuilly in front, paddle a cardboard boat held together with 12 rolls of duct tape.

They are racing Avery Haggerty who was on a boat made from Big Guys Campground.

The Boy Scouts made it easily across the Erie Canal as part of a trial regatta for the Holley June Fest on Saturday. Organizers were pleased with the race and want to open up the event to the community next year.

The boat paddled by Avery was a bit wobbly and seemed to spin around in a circle.

Boy Scouts check the boat for sturdiness while it was on the north side of the canal, just east of the lift bridge. Logan Lane, Gabe Haggerton and Zack Mrzywka also were part of the Scout team on Saturday.

These adult volunteers carry the Scout boat to the canal water. The Scouts named the boat, “S.S. Waterhog.”

Jack Breuilly, left, and Gunner Knight get ready paddle about 150 feet to the other side of the canal. The teams could have no more than two people in a boat.

Brian Bartalo, Holley district superintendent, would like to see different teams and clubs from the school enter the competition next year.

The June Fest also included a performance from the Holley-Kendall Marching Band.

The band started at Public Square and headed to White Street and then to the canal park.

The June Fest included bounce houses, pony rides, alpacas, food, beverages, craft vendors and a wine-tasting.