SPORTS &
RECREATION
 July 11, 2019
 
Johnston County Visitors Bureau photo from Facebook
The "Armageddon," propelled by two guys with cardboard paddles, heads toward the Market Street bridge where spectators get a bird's-eye view of last year's race. In the water in between is an apparent "cardboard malfunction" whose "victims" are being closely watched by EMTs on duty.

2nd annual cardboard boat race Saturday includes contests for "Best Decorated"

vessel and "Most Memorable Sinking"


Smithfield's second "River Rat Regatta" will be staged from the Front Street boat ramp on the Neuse River starting at 4 p.m. this Saturday (July 13).


Two-person teams are signing up to see who can nurse their cardboard boat downstream to the Market Street bridge in the fastest time.


Besides competition in youth and adult divisions are contests for "Best Decorated" boat and the "Titantic Award" for "most memorable sinking" among contestants whose contraptions don't make it to the finish line.


The current entry fee is $35 through Friday, increasing to $50 on race day. Entries must be completed before 3:30 p.m. Saturday.


Here's a link to a packet with details about the event along with an entry form>



And then there's WIFFLE BALL!

Smithfield hosts state tourney this weekend


It started in nearby Kenly, of all places, back in 1982 when "ten kids" ages 9-19 got together to play a two-on-two version of the game of Wiffle Ball. In 1989 the tournament's founders, Jeff Davis and Mike Grizzard, moved the event to Kenly's ball field and named it the "North Carolina State Wiffle Ball Tournament." By then, each team had three players.


Today's version features four-man teams, and has been held in Smithfield since 2006.


The 31st edition of the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Tournament is being played on the youth soccer fields at Smithfield's Community Park this Saturday and Sunday.


Organizers claim it to be the oldest state championship in the nation and the second oldest Wiffle Ball tournament in the world behind the World Championship event held in Midlothian, Illinois.


MORE on the N.C. tourney's official website>



"Fun in the Park" at Smith-Collins July 20


The East Smithfield Improvement Organization is hosting "Fun in the Park" on Saturday, July 20 at Smith-Collins Park on Lee Street. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. activities for youngsters will include "bounce houses," games and prizes, free food, and music.



SMITHFIELD PARKS & RECREATION DOINGS


Proceed to the Town of Smithfield's website for a complete list of both Youth and Adult activities along with links for registering>

 
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