Docking Contest

Registration Links

Competitors

Please click here to get signed up to compete in one of the classes for Docking, the Dinghy Race, Hot Dog eating Contest, and Pot Pull.

Registration

Vendors

Please click here to get signed up as a vendor and get your spot reserved. Limited spots available and we expect another sell-out year!

Vendor Information
+ Sign Up

Schedule of Events

9:00 Captain's Meeting for All Contestants (receive your number)
You must receive a number to compete.
9:30 Gates Open to the Public
10:00 Star Spangled Banner
Budd Falls
10:15 High-Speed Crab Pot Pulls
Any contestant that doesn't finish in under 1 minute is automatically disqualified
11:00 Docking Contest Class 1
First Responders/Tow Boat US/USCG
11:15 Docking Contest Class 2
Small Boats (up to 32')
11:45 Docking Contest Class 3
12:15 Hot Dog Eating Contest
1:00 Docking Contest Class 4
2:00 Dinghy Race
2:20 Docking Contest Class 5
3:00 Awards Ceremony

Requirements/Rules for Participants

1. All boats MUST carry at least two people (no single-handed boats except the Dingy Race).
2. Per USCG requirements, jet skis are not permitted to compete at this time.
3. All boats must carry at least a life jacket for each occupant.
4. Boats may not cross the starting line prior to the starting horn sounding.
5. Vessels must be in neutral/stopped prior to the starting horn sounding.
6. Official time starts when the starting horn sounds and ends when the last hoop/crab pot is in place.
7. All vessels competing in the small boat classes must round the mark prior to entering the "slip".
8. No party aside from the vessel owner/captain may be held liable for vessel damages.
9. If equipped, all vessel owners must wear an engine "kill switch" during competition.
10. The dinghy race will commence at the completion of the "nascar lap".
11. The dinghy race will be completed when the first boat completes 3 laps and finishes through the finish line.
12. Any dinghy that fails to round all marks in the course shall be disqualified.
13. All dinghies must be equipped with an engine "kill switch" and all contestants must wear said kill switch.
14. Disabling of competitors dinghies by yanking a competitor's "kill switch" is legal so long as the kill switch is not removed from the boat.
15. You may compete in multiple events, but you must register separately for each event.

FAQ

Does this event have parking?

Yes! Please see the map below for parking and shuttles. Please note that parking is offered on a first come-first serve basis. Please be respectful of residents/properties as well as remembering/recognizing the surrounding roads are all public. We've done our best with parking.

Can I bring a cooler or alcohol?

As Spicolli was told, "If you don't bring enough for everyone, don't bring it at all" This is a community event, but it's not on your property, so please don't bring alcohol/cooler. You will be asked to remove it from the property immediately.

Who puts this on/pays for this?

This event is put on entirely by local residents. A small group of volunteers begins planning this out a year in advance. That generous group of volunteers personally fork out cash for permits, advertising, and other miscellaneous expenses while spending an incredible amount of time organizing. Each marina and restaurant is asked to donate something as well, whether it be land for parking, signage, money, etc. No singular business entity forks over the necessary means or organizational help in making this happen. As well, no singular business can claim this as "their" event.

Do you need help/Can I volunteer?

Yes! All facets of this need/want/welcome help. While we primarily need the most help the week and day of the event, we welcome help in all aspects of the event and planning that leads up to it.

Will there be food/drink?

Yes! We've carefully curated a vendor list to offer a wide range of food and drinks for your enjoyment. Please DO NOT bring outside drinks/food in.

You're fundraising....Where does the money go?

The Labor Day Fireworks and Boat Parade were started 31 years ago by two locals, for the locals. The cost of said show as far exceeded contributions and businesses have not kept pace while demanding the continuation of the show. This is why the Docking Contest and River Days event was created...an "out of the box" way to bridge the funding gap. 100% of the proceeds go towards the fireworks and community. In 2025, we were able to double the size of the "dying" fireworks due to the successes of the 1st Docking Contest and River Days event in 2024 (the fireworks are paid for 1 year in advance). The 2026 Fireworks should be incredible, and we hope to continue these successes and bring other events/shows to the community in the near future, so stay tuned!

Sassafras River Docking Contest and River Days