Fox Valley United Way is hosting its annual “What Floats Your Cardboard Boat’ race on Saturday, Aug. 15 at Mastodon Lake at Phillips Park.

The event, which serves as the official kick-off of Fox Valley United Way’s 2015-16 fundraising campaign, challenges organizations, families and individuals to create an unsinkable cardboard boat that is entered into one of several heats.

Teams entered so far include  the Aurora Fire Department and Aurora Police Department, Caterpillar, Old Second National Bank, Hesed House, Hope for Tomorrow, Mutual Ground, Castle Bank and Presence Mercy Medical Center.

Boat check-in begins at 8 a.m. and activities begin at 9.a.m. when visitors can also begin voting for their favorite boat.    Races start at 10:30 a.m.

First, second and third place trophies are awarded in each of six divisions: adult, business, non-profit, partner agency, mechanical and community.

A special trophy is presented for the Most Spectacular Sinking.

Admission is free and there will be food available and as well as free water and coffee.

Activities for children include balloon twisting, face painting and games.

Sponsors include: Old Second National Bank, Finishing Solutions Network, SmithAmundsen, Castle Bank, Rasmussen College, Caterpillar, Presence Mercy Medical Center, Farmers Insurance, Cano Corporation and the City of Aurora.

— United Way cardboard boat fundraiser —