LEWISTON — Looking at the contraptions devised to float from Lewiston Landing to Fort Niagara, you just knew that someone was going into the river. The question was who and how soon?
It turned out, the scores of spectators watching this morning’s launch at Lewiston Landing didn’t have to wait long to find out as two members of “Last Year’s Winner” fell into the drink while being towed out to the starting line. Others likely followed, but not in front of the crowd.
The Great Contraption Race, now in its third year, is a timed 8-mile water race down the mighty Niagara River in things that float. To call them boats would be far too generous, although some of the contraptions are partly made from boats — as was “Last Year’s Winner.” It was also made of a ladder and empty plastic drums. Rules dictate that contraptions are built by their teams from recycled materials and can only be powered by human power. Think Flintstone-mobiles for water. Actually, one of the entrants was a Flintstone-mobile, complete with Fred, Wilma, Betty and a rather feminine looking Barney.
And, of course, there’s an award at the end of the grueling — and damp — race in the form of a party at Faulkner Park, complete with live music, food from local Youngstown restaurants, a beer tent and fun.
Proceeds from the event go to the “It Happened To Alexa Foundation,” which helps to support rape survivors through the trauma of the criminal trial, in the hopes that more survivors will go through with the prosecution in order to put these perpetrators behind bars. Established in 2003, the foundation assists rape victims’ families with travel expenses during the litigation process.
For more information, visit ithappenedtoalexa.org/The-Great-Contraption-Race.
Check out more photos from this morning’s launch, featuring shots of all the race participants.
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