BLADES — The eighth annual Recycled Cardboard Boat Regatta is set for Aug. 5 at the Nanticoke River Marine Park, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced Thursday.

The Division of Watershed Stewardship encourages participants to register early and launch their boat-building efforts for a head start on the competition.

The regatta is presented by the town of Blades in partnership with the division’s Reclaim Our River Nanticoke Series, the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, the Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, Gallery 107 and the Nanticoke River Yacht Club.

It will begin with registration at 11 a.m., followed by judging of boats’ appearances at noon and races starting at 12:30.

The contest is open to anyone who’s willing to build a boat from recycled cardboard and paddle it a short distance to the finish line. First-place awards will be given for winners of races in five categories: individual, youth (age 12 and under), teens (ages 13-18), family/friends and organizations/businesses.

Other awards will be given for “Pride of the Fleet,” “Most Whimsical Boat,” “Team Spirit” and more.

To receive an early-bird entry fee of $20 per boat, competitors should register by July 21. After that, the cost will be $30. Day-of registration will be available.

Boats may be any size, shape or design but must be made of recycled corrugated cardboard and painted with multiple coats of latex paint. Decorations may be removed after judging and prior to the race.

The event will also include refreshments and information about how to protect Delaware’s waterways.

The Reclaim Our River partnership also welcomes sponsors, with proceeds going toward event costs, river restoration and water quality education. Sponsorships begin at $50.

Registration, rules and other information can be found at nanticokeriver.org/rcbr.