It's going to be a really cool entry for the annual Royal Rosarians Milk Carton Boat Races.
The thing is, George Foster and his grandsons hope that people know what it is.
It'll be black with big wings that fold down and piloted by grandsons Bennett and Nolan Foster. It's called the CowMand Shuttle, which, like their 2019 entry, is a "Star Wars" reference — after Kylo Ren's Command Shuttle. "The First Order's top officers travel in Upsilon-class command shuttles that look like grim birds of prey," the "Star Wars" website says.
The Foster family's previous entry, the MooLLennium Milkem, a riff off Han Solo's Millennium Falcon, was pretty recognizable. The CowMand Shuttle, who knows?
"My one worry," said Bennett, 9, "is that some friends at school haven't watched this series of 'Star Wars.' There might be people who say, 'What is a CowMand Shuttle?'"
Added Nolan, 11: "Some people might not like 'Star Wars.'"
Grandpa Foster said plenty of people will be curious. "Spectators come around and ask questions," he said.
The Milk Carton Boat Races, set for 11 a.m. Saturday, June 26, at Westmoreland Park Casting Pond, are a fun concluding event of the Rose Festival, a tradition that goes back to 1973. People build creative boats, with each vessel buoyed by however many recycled and capped milk cartons and jugs needed for it to stay afloat and be piloted and paddled for 100 meters.
Prizes are awarded for creatively constructed watercraft in several categories, and one entry earns the coveted Best in Show milk can trophy.
The Foster boys are going to be competing in the CowMand Shuttle in a kids category, and Nolan and his grandfather will be "flying" the MooLLennium Milkem again in a mixed age race. A D V E R T I S I N G | Continue reading below
For the Fosters, it's an engineering affair. George is a retired engineer. The boys' mother is an engineer. The boys attend St. Clare Elementary School in Portland.
The CowMand Shuttle is made of styrofoam and duct tape and is supported by about 80 milk cartons, including on the outriggers. Both half-gallon and gallon jugs from local coffee shop Blue Kangaroo are used. On the back, lights are represented by yogurt containers.
The family has built it in George Foster's garage in Sellwood.
"Milk cartons are the only thing on the boat that isn't black," Nolan said.
"We tried to build a boat as close to the original ship in the movie that you can still pilot," George said.
"It's been a bit of trial and error, even with experience with the 2019 boat. Milk cartons was the easy part. We knew how much we needed; they did the math. It's their weights plus 40 pounds for the boat. Two boys and a boat, ended up like max 300 pounds. We figured each milk carton would support three pounds each, and with outriggers we'll have some safety factor built in." A D V E R T I S I N G | Continue reading below
In other words, "We didn't want to build a submarine. If you ride so low in the water you risk capsizing."
In 2019, the MooLLennium Milkem got second place in the Best in Show parade.
"I have a strong feeling we are going to be first," Nolan proclaimed, of CowMand Shuttle. "We've put a lot of time in it."
It's been a joy for George to work with his grandsons on the boats.
"This year they wanted a boat of their own," he said. "It's a challenge to build something."
As far as racing in their craft, Bennett said, "we do have a rowing machine, so I've been practicing. We've been to Leavenworth, Washington, rented out small canoes and did some paddling. We also have a stand-up paddle board." A D V E R T I S I N G | Continue reading below
Young Bennett already has his eyes set on another milk carton boat with another "Star Wars" theme. No spoiler alert here, because it's from the newest movie.
George said it's a great experience for his grandsons.
"Your boat can be as serious or silly as you care to make it, and the crowd appreciates all of it," he said.
As far as the benefits, George added:
"It's absolutely a great way to spend quality time with your kids or grandkids. It can be an educational opportunity for all involved. It's sure to be a memorable fun summer activity for all. It's also a great way to let your kids exercise some creativity and hands-on skills in designing and assembling their creation. If they are into STEM-type activities, this could be for them."
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