This year the event was concentrated on one side of the water as the other underwent multimillion-dollar renovations.

Scores of people lined the shore to cheer on competitors in the build-your-own-boat competition. Some boats sunk, to the dismay of their crew who were forced to swim in the murky water, others crashed into each other, and splashes were thrown in friendly banter. Most competitors made it across the finish line.

In the kayak race, the cheers were mostly for a Star Wars-themed battle between friends 11-year-old James Hill, who dressed up as Darth Vader, and  Stormtrooper Katie Bissett, 10.

Katie said she initially wanted to be a Minion but, pushed for time, she decided to dress up as a Stormtrooper instead.

She came second in the race, closely followed by James.

"We've been competitive since kindergarten," Katie said.

James said he would "never hear the end of it", after finishing behind his friendly rival.

Katie's mother, Melissa Bissett, said the pair were inspired by their teachers at St Gregory's who had competed in the race three years ago. She said she was pleased they could take part in a community event.

"It's wonderful to be able to come down and see people you know from the Queanbeyan community here," Ms Bissett said.

"It's so good everyone does turn up and support it, and it's great for the kids to be involved in a local event and have fun – that's the main thing."

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council administrator Tim Overall said the day was a huge success.

"It's absolutely terrific; a lot of fun with all the boats and some of the sculptures are absolutely unbelievable," he said.

The animated crowd was interspersed with artwork from the Clearwater Sculpture Prize, which was dotted along the river bank.

Artist Sian Watson took out the competition with her work titled Panacea Dogs.