Local News

At the Seafair Milk Carton Derby, it’s whatever floats your boat

Originally published July 13, 2019 at 5:32 pmUpdated July 13, 2019 at 5:32 pm

Mikaela Dumas carries part of an Apollo 11-themed entry to be raced in the 47th annual Milk Carton Derby on Green Lake on Saturday. More than 60 entrants participated in divisions ranging from youth to adult to military. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

In the Military Race division, these U.S. Army participants had plenty of muscle but an entry that looks like a landing craft with a flat front that didn’t cut through the water. They came in fourth in their heat. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

This SUV has three additional seats up top as it arrives at the 47th annual Milk Carton Derby. They’re positions for paddlers when the craft competes in the annual races on Green Lake. The milk carton supports are tied below the chairs. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Ted Rodgers, 85, captain of the Bayview Retirement entry “Aloha,” cools off in Green Lake following his team’s race in the nonprofit division in the 47th annual Milk Carton Derby. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

The annual Milk Carton Derby races on Green Lake bring out all sorts of head attire. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Zoe Page, front, and Tina Rothchild help carry in the bicycle-powered “Milk Crab” entry in the annual Milk Carton Derby races on Green Lake. This is the underside of the craft, which uses a modified recumbent bike for propulsion. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Mikaela Dumas brings in her team’s paddles for the 47th annual Milk Carton Derby on Green Lake.
The Seafair event had more than 60 entrants. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

The “Slo-Mooo-Shun” is a 1979 milk carton craft that’s a pun on the famous local hydroplane SLO-MO-SHUN IV that set straightaway record of more than 160 mph on Lake Washington in 1950. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Vivian Collica and Steve Brombie assemble a depiction of the Fremont Bridge for this year’s Milk Carton Derby races.
It has about 240 milk cartons supporting the 90-pound (give-or-take) craft. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Both dog and ducks are insouciant along the shore of Green Lake for the annual Milk Carton Derby Saturday. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Milk cartons are required for the flotation of race entries in the annual Seafair event on Green Lake. This is the 47th year for the derby. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

As temperatures heated up, spectators improvised sun protection along the shore of Green Lake. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Bright, large inflatable floats mark the course on Green Lake for the Milk Carton Derby races Saturday. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Bins for recyclables are brought to the Green Lake path before the Milk Carton Derby races begin on Green Lake on Saturday.(Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Trophies line the stage for the winners of each division in the 47th annual Milk Carton Derby races on Green Lake. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

At the Seafair Milk Carton Derby, it’s whatever floats your boatBack to story Restart gallery

The 47th annual Seafair Milk Carton Derby drew more than 60 entrants participating in divisions ranging from youth to adult to military.

By

Alan Berner

Seattle Times staff photographer

Alan Berner