In what has become one of the best, most fun, most creative winter events in West Virginia, the annual Cardboard and Duct Tape Sled Race is returning to Blackwater Falls State Park this February 26, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This race will be the 10th Cardboard and Duct Tape Sled Race the park has hosted, and it promises to be a rollicking good time!
The Cardboard and Duct Tape Sled Race itself starts around 10:15 a.m., after participants have registered beginning at 9:00 a.m., but the preparations begin long, long before that. In fact, the Cardboard and Duct Tape Sled Race starts at home, with the creation of a sled that can race down the longest sled run on the East Coast - except it can only be made from cardboard and duct tape.
That's right, no glue, no staples, no string, nothing but duct tape and cardboard (although paint can be used for decorative purposes). Sound impossible? It's not! Dozens and dozens of participants do it every year, with gusto.
Each team's sled needs a team name. Prizes are offered for themed sled entries, speed, and sportsmanship. T-shirts commemorating the event can be purchased for $15 in advance or $20 at the race. Hot food, snacks and beverages will be available at the Sled Run building.
Bicycle helmets (bring your own) are required for sledders under age 14. This entire event is designed to be family-friendly; please keep that in mind as you design your sled and name your team.
All that info is well and good, but now we're finally ready to tell you the best part. Speaking of themed sled entries, each year the Cardboard and Duct Tape Sled Race adopts a theme for its race. The theme for this 10th annual sled race for the year 2022 is (drum-roll please!) HARRY POTTER.
That's right! Muggles, rejoice! Print your registration forms and dust off your Harry Potter scarves! The challenge coming to Blackwater Falls this year is indeed to create a race worthy sled with nothing but duct tape and cardboard that looks like something straight out of a Harry Potter book or movie.
Learn more at the West Virginia State Parks event page here. Potterheads, do you know what this means? In West Virginia in 2022, you can attend a Harry Potter-themed event in January, in February, AND in March! And you can come in costume to all of them.
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