Smokin' Showdown Float Event Rules & Waiver of Liability

In consideration accepting this entry, I, the participant, intending to be legally bound, I agree as follows:

🛶 Core Rules

• Float Requirement — The creation must float on water for at least 10 seconds with no outside support. If it sinks, it's out.
• Material Limits — Only lightweight, non-dangerous materials allowed (cardboard, pool noodles, plastic bottles, foam, tape). No motors, sharp edges, or anything that could pollute the water.
• Size Cap — Set a max size (like 4 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft) so no one builds a yacht.
• No Store-Bought Boats — Everything must be homemade. Repurposed items are fine, but no actual watercraft.
• Safety First — No riding on the creations, no throwing objects, and no using chemicals or fire.
• Team Rules — Teams of 1–3 people to keep things fair.
• Cleanup Requirement — Everyone must retrieve their debris so the water stays clean.

🎉 Fun Rules

• Theme Bonus — Give extra points for sticking to a theme like "kitchen items," "office supplies," or "things that should not float."
• Style Points — Judges can award points for creativity, weirdness, or pure stupidity of design.
• Name Your Vessel — Every entry must have a ridiculous name (e.g., "The Soggy Pickle," "Unsinkable-ish").
• Launch Ceremony — Contestants must announce their creation dramatically before placing it in the water.
• Sabotage-Free Zone — No interfering with other entries, even if they look like they deserve it.

🏆 Judging Categories

• Buoyancy — How well it floats.
• Aesthetic Chaos — How wonderfully dumb it looks.
• Construction Technique — How cleverly (or questionably) it was built.
• Unexpected Success — Award for the thing that should have sunk but didn't.
• Most Dramatic Failure — For the most spectacular sink.

1. I hereby waive and forever release any and all rights and claims for damages or injuries that I may have against Awake Palmer Lake and the Town of Palmer Lake, and all of their agents assisting with the event, sponsors and their representatives, volunteers and employees for any and all injuries to me or my personal property. This release includes all injuries and/or damages suffered by me before, during or after the event. I recognize, intend and understand that this release is binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, or assignees.
2. I know that this race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter the race unless I am medically able to do so. I assume all risks associated with this event including, but not limited to: falls, contact with other participants, the effects of weather, water, debris, traffic, and course conditions, and waive any and all claims which I might have based on any of those and other risks typically found on the water. I acknowledge all such risks are known and understood by me. I agree to abide by all decisions of any race official relative to my ability to safely complete the race. Life jackets are REQUIRED.
3. In the event of an illness, injury or medical emergency arising during the event I hereby authorize and give my consent to the Event Director to secure from any accredited hospital, clinic and/ or physician any treatment deemed necessary for my immediate care. I agree that I will be fully responsible for payment of any and all medical services and treatment rendered to me including but not limited to medical transport, medications, treatment and hospitalization.
4. Further, I grant permission to all the foregoing to use my name, voice and images of myself in any photographs, motion pictures, results, publications or any other print, videographic or electronic recording of this event for legitimate purposes.
5. I understand that all entry fees are non-refundable. We reserve the right to postpone or cancel the event due to circumstances beyond our control such as a natural disaster or emergency or as required to protect the safety of participants and staff. No refunds will be issued under these circumstances. We reserve the right to change the details of the event without prior notice. I understand that my entry fee is nonrefundable. Fees will be deemed donations to Awake Palmer Lake for community projects.
6. I have read the foregoing Waiver fully. By signing below, I understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights and signed it freely and voluntarily without inducement.