April is approaching and it's time to get ready for another April Tools wooden boat challenge. The fifth annual event is set for Saturday, April 29, at Millennium Park (at the government dock) in Madeira Park.As usual, the main event will involve teams of boat builders who have three hours to create a boat from materials provided, using hand tools only. The boats are then paddled or rowed around a pre-set course, vying for first, second and third place cash prizes. As well, there is a Spiffy Skiffy prize (people's choice award) for the best looking boat and the Broken Paddle award for the team or individual showing the greatest perseverance in the face of adversity.This year the April Tools boats will look a little different. Here's the materials list:24 eight-foot 1x2shalf sheet of plywoodone 5 ft. x 20 ft. piece of polyethylene sheeting1 lb. of drywall screws 1 roll of duct tape (of course) You bring your own paddle(s), staple gun and staples, hand tools and battery-powered screw gun.The entry fee is $160 per team, discounted to $140 for entries received before April 1.Deadline for entries is April 26.Also new this year is the April Tools Scavenger Hunt. For a $10 entry fee, teams (families welcome) bring their own hand-powered boat and paddle/row to specific spots around the harbour, picking up required information on the way. Winners will be scored on time and on accuracy of the information gathered.Other activities include mini-boat building for kids, lunch time barbecue hosted by the Pender Harbour Rotary Club, artisans' show and sale and a small craft display.April Tools is brought to you by the Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society. For entry forms for both events and details, call Richard or Jackie at 604-883-0539.
