The 2026 Royal Rosarian Milk Carton Boat Race at Westmoreland Park
a Royal Rosarian Foundation, Portland Parks and Recreation
and Rose Festival Foundation community event
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Free to enter, free to watch
Key Dates:
- March 3 Registration opens - Link is live
- Milk Cartons are available for pickup at Sellwood Community Center and certain Les Schwab dealers
- Optional t-shirts available to order - Link is live
- March 14 Open House between noon & 2 pm - Sellwood Community House, 1436 SE Spokane St.
- Learn how to build a boat, stay dry, and be competitive
- Previous racers and structural engineers will help you with your design
- Pick up some free milk cartons to get started on your boat during Spring Break
- Let us know you're coming so we can have the milk cartons ready for you.
- Email us at milkcartonboatrace@royalrosarianfoundation.org to let us know you're coming.
- June 12 12:00 a.m. - deadline for ordering optional t-shirt
- June 19 midnight - deadline for registration
- June 24 Media day at Westmoreland Park casting pond 5:00 am
- Chance to test your boat before race day and be on TV
- June 28 Race Day at Westmoreland Park casting pond
- 10:00 am Inspection begins
- 11:45 am Opening Ceremony
- 12:00 pm Races begin
The MILK CARTON BOAT RACE started in 1973 to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Rose Festival. This was to be an event completely run by the Junior Court and have only children's entries. When the Junior Court ended, some rules were changed, and adults became more involved.
The Dairy Council of Oregon was the presenting sponsor of this event from 1973 to 2014. The Rose Festival Foundation turned to the Royal Rosarians to put on the Milk Carton Boat Race in 2016. Under the leadership of Dame Pat Maberry, the event once again came to life and, except for the COVID years, continues to be a favorite summer event for many in the community.
Information on our 2026 Major Sponsors:
Portland Parks and Recreation: https://www.portland.gov/parks
Alpenrose: https://alpenrose.com/
SMILE Neighborhood Association: SMILE
Sellwood Community House:
2026 Portland Rose Festival: www.rosefestival.org
Learn how you or your organization can help support the Milk Carton Boat Race
by contacting Connie Shipley (503-830-1028)
The Royal Rosarian Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
If you have any feedback on the 2025 event, please contact the committee
by phone 503-830-1028 or email: milkcartonboatrace@royalrosarianfoundation.org
If the email link doesn't work, please copy the address, then paste it in the address line of your email application.