On Sunday, June 15th … the Charles River will be the site of the 34th Boston Dragon Boat Festival.
Once again, the Newton North and Newton South have combined to enter a youth team.
Come cheer the Ligers on and enjoy a day of entertainment, demonstrations and performances near the Harvard Boat House.
Activities will be happening on both sides of the river between the Western Ave Bridge and the Harvard footbridge.
@Greer: I’d heard of this event but never knew it was a competition. Is is a race? Is it based on design or style or some other criteria?
It is a multi-faceted event. The Festival is on the Cambridge side of the River and starts at noon. That is probably the part that you (Greg) were familiar with … vendor tents, demonstrations, food and stuff.
ON THE RIVER (and camped out on the Boston side) are boat races … we’ve been practicing on the Charles River for the past month. There are several divisions and since the space on the river and the limited number of Dragon Boats … we can only race about 4-5 boats at any given time … there may be several heats to finalize the winner of any division. This year, we have over 60 teams entered into the races.
A Dragon Boat is a long wooden watercraft that seats anywhere from 16-20 paddlers in rows of two plus a drummer at the front and a steerperson in the back.
The boat is propelled foward by the paddlers working in unison to the beat of the drummer. Here is a video of one of the 2013 races in Hong Kong.
The Boston Dragon Boat Race is actually a part of an International Event. Major cities in the US race between end of May until August to send a CHAMPION team to NYC for the US Dragon Boat race … to determine the team to represent the US at the International Race in Hong Kong.
Not all the races are to compete for the International Race. The Ligers will be racing in the Youth Division (all teen paddlers) and in the Local division … none of whom will be going on to NY or Hong Kong.
I can go on … there is quite a lot to the whole Dragon Boat racing, the traditions of the race and the Festival. Most of which can be found here.
It’s great fun! I grew up with it, with the stories, with racing when I was young. It’s great to have my kids involved.
Congratulations to Greer for leading two teams today at the Dragon Boat Festival.
The Ligers were first in their Youth Division and second in the Major “G” group – photo finish!!!