Helenans who have missed the summer tradition of lovingly building a watercraft and then paddling like crazy before it sinks will have their chance when the Cardboard Cup Regatta returns on July 14.

Organizers are calling the event at Spring Meadow Lake the ninth annual Cardboard Cup Regatta, although it was last held in 2004.

The regatta was originally a fundraiser for the Montana Wildlife Center in Helena, organized by the nonprofit Mikal Kellner Foundation for Animals, with help from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Helena National Forest.

When the first phase of the wildlife shelter -- the animal rehabilitation center -- was completed, The Foundation for Animals decided to focus its efforts elsewhere.

This year Spring Meadow Resources is teaming up with FWP to sponsor the event.

"We were looking around for things to do, and thought 'Hey, let's give it a shot,' " said Tiffany Sauer of SMR.

Spring Meadow Resources is a nonprofit group that has been assisting the disabled since 1975.

Profits from the regatta will go toward improvements at Spring Meadow Pond, an area that gives Helenans with disabilities a safe recreational facility on the water.

SMR has added potable water supplies and power to the area, along with picnic tables and pathways for wheelchairs.

Every other year, the pond is stocked with rainbow trout.

"All this kind of stuff just adds up," Sauer said.

The cost for the regatta is $20 per participant, which includes a T-shirt. The cost for youths in Class K is $12.50, which also includes a T-shirt.

Sauer said organizers are encouraging sponsors to help get boats on the water.

Of course, the boats must be made of cardboard.

The competition begins at 11 a.m. and will include five classes of boats:

- Class A -- propelled by single bladed paddles;

- Class B -- propelled by other kinds of power such as as sails and and waterwheels;

- Class C -- propelled by double-bladed paddles;

- Class D -- for individuals with any kind of disability. Caretaker assistants may participate along with the disabled individual; and

n Class K -- for children ages 5 to 10.

The event, Sauer said, is about participation, not competition. Judges will declare winners in each category.

The rules of water safety -- including requiring participants to wear Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices -- will be observed.

Rules and registration forms for the regatta are available at the FWP office at 930 Custer Ave., the Helena Chamber of Commerce or SMR, at 2850 Broadwater Ave.

They are also available at the Web site www.springmeadowresources.org.

Registration forms and entry fees should be sent to Sauer's attention at Spring Meadow Resources, 2850 Boradwater Ave., Helena MT 59602.