'Festivus' cardboard sled race will go on despite Mother Nature's lack of cooperation

BATTLE CREEK — Unseasonably warm temperatures will not prevent droves of eccentric and inventive cardboard creations from rumbling, tumbling and stumbling down the hills of Leila Arboretum this weekend.

Yes, organizers have confirmed the 2024 Festivus Cardboard Sled Competition will indeed go on as scheduled Saturday at the 72-acre city park despite Mother Nature's lack of cooperation. For the fourth time in 16 years, snow will be trucked in for the event.

"Three of those four (instances) have been in the last eight years," Brett Myers, executive director of the Leila Arboretum Society, explained Wednesday. "I don’t know if you want to call that a trend or not, but it sure seems like it."

The trucked-in snow, gathered from local parking lots, "really does kind of add to the entertainment factor for the sled runs," Myers added. "Hopefully we still have a really nice turnout."

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.

"It’s fun, it gets people outside," Myers said. "It’s an opportunity for us to connect with people."

Hot dogs, chili, hot chocolate, beer and other beverages will be available for purchase. Sled registration begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, with sled runs starting at 2:30 p.m.

Awards will be given for best run, most stachetastic (most mustache-themed), Leila's choice, worst run and best wipeout, among other categories. Winners must be present during the awards ceremony to receive a prize.

For more information, visit the Festivus 2024 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 competition returns to Leila Arboretum Saturday