Festivus cardboard sled competition returns to Leila Arboretum Saturday
BATTLE CREEK — Eccentric and inventive cardboard creations will rumble, tumble and stumble down the hills of Leila Arboretum Saturday — whether Mother Nature cooperates or not.
Organizers say the 2023 Festivus Cardboard Sled Competition will go on as scheduled at the 72-acre city park Saturday despite unseasonably warm temperatures early in the week.
"We’ll have a snowy hillside," Leila Arboretum Society Executive Director Brett Myers said. For at least the third time in 15 years, snow will be trucked in for the event, he said.
The competition, held annually since 2008, is hosted by the Battle Creek Metropolitan Area Moustache Society and the Leila Arboretum Society. Sleds must be constructed entirely of cardboard, adhesive and paint.
"Making a cardboard sled is pretty easy ... I think it expands the opportunity for participation," Myers said of the event. "It’s as fun to observe everything as it is to participate with a sled."
Hot dogs, chili, hot chocolate, beer and other beverages will be available for purchase. Sled registration begins at noon, with sled runs starting at 1 p.m.
Awards will be given for best run, most stachetastic (most mustache-themed), worst run and best wipeout, among other categories. Winners must be present during the awards ceremony to receive an award.
For more information, visit the Festivus 2023 Facebook event page or bcmams.com.
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Festivus cardboard sled race returns to Leila Arboretum Saturday
