Dynamic Dragon Boat Racing Season Preview

What a year we have planned for 2012! It’s the year of the water Dragon on the Chinese calendar. We have a rigorous dragon boat racing schedule. Featured in this special edition blog, we highlight each event and part of its story for you. Enjoy.

April 14, 2012 – Event Info

Macon, GA – A growing event in Macon, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia produces this event as a fundraiser. Coming up on the fourth race, the event will feature up to 20 teams at Sandy Beach on Lake Tobesofkee.

April 28, 2012 – Event Info

Tuscaloosa, AL – After hearing about the success of dragon boat racing as a fundraiser, The Junior League of Tuscaloosa took the plunge feet first. This all-female civic organization has landed several sponsors and hopes to attract 30-35 teams to the Black Warrior River in its first showing.

May 12, 2012 – Event Info

Decatur, AL – Word of mouth spreads quickly when news of a dragon boat race leaks. That’s what happened in Decatur, where more than 60 teams are already committed in its first year. Presented by Toray Carbon Fibers America, the Decatur General Foundation benefits from event proceeds.

May 19, 2012 – Event Info

Chattanooga, TN – In its 6th year, the Children’s Hospital Dragon Boat Festival will likely attract 60 local corporate and community teams. More than $107,000 was raised during the 2011 event for the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Erlanger.

TBA – Event Info

Wilmington, NC – After a great first-year event, the Cape Fear Dragon Boat Festival returns for more fun! Presented by Blue Hand Home, this event is also a fundraiser for Step up for Soldiers and the Sunburst Foundation. The previously announced date will change. A new date is TBA. Check the event website for updates.

June 23, 2012 – Event Info

Knoxville, TN – A celebration of the 10th year in Knoxville and benefiting Knox Area Rescue Ministries, we have an ambitious goal: To attract 60 or more teams and raise $187,000, enough money to provide 100,000 meals at KARM.

August 4, 2012 – Event Info

Owensboro, KY – In its second annual event, the city of Owensboro hopes to make big impressions toward growth, with 30 or more teams, at this year’s Dragon Boat Festival at English Park on the beautiful Ohio River.

August 11, 2012 – Event Info

St. Louis, MO – Friendly competition abounds on the Creve Coeur Lake as these teams take fun to new levels. Proceeds benefit Operation Family Help, a new Signature Healthcare Foundation initiative to assist families of patients with financial challenges by providing services such as therapy, equipment or transportation.

August 18, 2012 – Event Info

Gadsden, AL – A first-year event and fundraiser for the Gadsden-Etowah Habitat for Humanity, this is a build-up for many years of happy paddlers at the perfect location for fun and festivities on the Coosa River in downtown Gadsden.

September 8, 2012 – Event Info

Bigfork, MT – They like to go big in Montana, and it shows! Gaining lots of traction already, the first Montana Dragon Boat Festival will feature U.S. and Canadian dragon boaters racing for glory! Local and club teams will take part at a scenic venue on Flathead Lake, hosted by the Kalispell Convention & Vistors Bureau and benefiting Save a Sister, a breast cancer charity.

September 15, 2012 – Event Info

Cleveland, OH – Club and local teams enjoy a 500-meter race on the Cuyahoga River in the histroric Flats, in downtown Cleveland. Event proceeds benefit The Gathering Place, providing services to individuals and families touched by cancer free of charge.

September 22, 2012 – Event Info

Memphis, TN – In its second year, the Duncan-Williams Dragon Boat Races will likely attract more than 60 teams. Thanks to supportive sponsors, this event will be huge! Proceeds benefit the Tennessee Clean Water Network.

September 29, 2012 – Event Info

Nashville, TN – Historically held in August, we switch gears to fall, and add pledge-raising to help the Cumberland River Compact enhance the health, and enjoy the Cumberland River and its tributaries through education, cooperation and action. We expect 50 or more teams on the Cumberland River, downtown.

October 20, 2012 – Event Info

Bloomington, IN – Details are taking shape for the first race this year in Bloomington, where Solution Tree and the local rowing association will join forces to bring the community together for a great team building experience!

Paddles Up!