ST. JOSEPH — A record 75 boats are set to compete in the fourth annual “Rock the Boat” cardboard boat races, hosted by Whirlpool Corporation on Thursday, July 18, at The Inn at Harbor Shores, 800 Whitwam Dr., St. Joseph, with proceeds benefiting United Way of Southwest Michigan.

The race begins at 5 p.m.

The life-size boats are made of cardboard, duct tape and polyurethane, and powered entirely by human paddling. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Children’s activities will include build-your-own pool-noodle boats. The first 200 children to come will get free Rock the Boat sunglasses.

“This event has continued to grow every year, and that means more money to the community,” said Dave Cichocki, vice president of U.S. Sales for Whirlpool Corporation and Chair of Whirlpool’s United Way campaign. “We started with five boats in 2016, then 30 in 2017 and last year, we had 64. This year, we capped it at 75 boats, and registration was full by early June.”

Rock the Boat is now one of the biggest cardboard boat competitions in the Midwest. The number of spectators has grown exponentially as well, with more than 3,000 people making their way down to the marina last summer to join in on the fun.

At this summer’s event, the People’s Choice Award will be presented to the team that raises the most money for United Way leading up to the race. The winner takes home the Traveling Trophy and will present $2,500 to a UWSM-funded partner of their choice. Interested parties can go to uwsm.org/rocktheboat to vote with a donation to the team they want to win.

Visitors can watch the race from the river on the Par-Te-Tyme boat. United Way is selling tickets to the viewing party aboard the Par-Te-Tyme, a 60-foot, double-deck cruise vessel that will be anchored in the St. Joe River.

Tickets are $35 per person, and that includes pizza and Rock the Boat sunglasses. There will be a cash bar and a radio remote on the boat covering the race with Matt Malone on Y-Country. After the race is over, the boat will take a Lake Michigan cruise. Tickets can be purchased at uwsm.org/rocktheboat.

After the race, the public is invited to stay after the race to Rock the Dock. Hey Girl Hey will be performing at Plank’s Tavern at The Inn at Harbor Shores from 8 to 10 p.m. Hey Girl Hey is a top 40s Michiana party band.

Additionally, United way is seeking volunteers and needs boots on the ground to make Rock the Boat the community-building experience that it is, staff said. The organization needs help at the check-in table, boat traffic directors, finish line crew, bleacher and fencing set up and tear down, and clean-up crew. Volunteer at uwsm.org/rocktheboat.