Blue Island Dragon Boat Festival Returns To The Chicago Southland

Olympia Fields, Ill. – (March 23, 2022) After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the 5th Annual Blue Island Dragon Boat Festival returns June 4th at the MWRD SEPA Waterfall & Park in Blue Island. The festival includes practices, dragon boat races, music, food, drinks, an awards ceremony and after party.

“We’re ecstatic that the annual Blue Island Dragon Boat Festival has returned,” said Jim Garrett, President/CEO for the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Each team consists of 20 paddlers, one drummer and a provided steersperson. The drummer sits in the bow (front) of the boat and beats a drum to keep the 20 paddlers in sync with one another. The steersperson stands in the stern (back) and steers the boat with a 10-foot oar that acts as a rudder.

Often dubbed as a “canoe on steroids”, dragon boats are 43’ in length and don a traditional dragon head and tail. This ancient Chinese sport has become a fierce competition throughout the world and is growing rapidly throughout the United States.

The perfect teambuilding event, entries are $500 or $250 for teams of ten (you’ll be paired with another half-team). For individuals looking to participate and be placed on a team, the cost is $40. To register please visit http://chicagodragonboats.com or for more information call the Blue Island Park District at (708) 385-3304.