GLADSTONE — After an absence of several years, Cardboard Classics is back as a two-day event at the Gladstone Ski Hill at the John and Melissa Besse Sports Park in Gladstone this weekend.

“It’s been over six years since the last one,” said Nicole Sanderson, Gladstone parks and recreation director.

Cardboard Classics is an event where people build sleds out of cardboard and race.

The two-day event, Friday and Saturday, is organized by Upper Hand Brewery, Upper Edge, the city of Gladstone and Radio Results Network.

Cardboard Classics will kick off with the “Pre-Party” on Friday from 6 to 11 p.m.

The event Friday is for adults 21 and older.

According to Sanderson, Friday’s party will include catering by Wiles Food Services, door prizes, bonfires, cardboard practice heats, games, tubing and an ice bar.

She noted the food is amazing, the beer and wine will be from Upper Hand Brewery and the event will be both indoors and outdoors.

“So you can get out of the cold if you’d like to,” she said.

There is a fee to attend the event Friday, which includes food and all activities.

Although there is a fee to attend the event Friday, it is free to attend Saturday during the Cardboard Classics competition.

“We invite all to watch and spectate,” Sanderson said.

Registration for Cardboard Classics starts at 9 a.m. and the races start at noon. There is a fee to register for the races.

Sanderson added people can pre-register for the races on the event’s Facebook page.

All of the proceeds from the two-day event benefit Gladstone High School students going to Peru for a class trip, Sanderson said.

There are three categories for the cardboard races: 8 to 12 years old,13 years old and up, and businesses.

“The sleds have to be made out of cardboard, tape and glue — and can also be painted,” Sanderson said. “There are two people per sled and they have to wear helmets.”

The races take place at the bunny hill at the ski hill.

Cardboard trophies will be awarded to the fastest sled and most creative in all categories.

“There is no theme, just build a sled — get creative,” Sanderson said.

Saturday the concessions will be open for people to purchase food from an outdoor BBQ and a selection of Upper Hand Brewery products, as well.

According to Sanderson, she’s really hoping for a good turn out at the event, especially businesses participating in the races, so the Cardboard Classics can return to Gladstone again.

“I’d like a good turn out to be able to do it next year,” she said.