Dragon Boat Festival Makes Worcester Debut

WORCESTER, MA—As submitted by the Worcester Telegram and Gazette:

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette, in partnership with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and Discover Central Mass are set to host the inaugural Worcester Dragon Boat Festival at DCR Regatta Point and Lake Quinsigamond on Saturday, Sept. 23, with premiere sponsor Fallon Health. This exciting event features dragon boat racing, performances of traditional dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations and a festival with music, food, games and an array of vendors.

Teams of 20 paddlers, one drummer and one steer person will take to Lake Quinsigamond in a colorful display of competitive action and sportsmanship on the 250 meter course. Over 20 teams have already signed up to participate. Registration is open in three divisions: academic, club and novice/community. There is no experience necessary to participate. Everything you need to take part is included: boats, paddles, safety equipment, a steerer, as well as a practice session in the days leading up to the race. Teams are asked to register by Friday, Sept. 15, and can do so online.

Peter Lew, race director of the Boston Dragon Boat Festival, the first and longest running Dragon Boat Festival in North America, has generously donated a free entry into the 39th Annual Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in 2018, for the winner of the club division. Medals are also awarded to the top three finishers in each division.

Dragon Boat Racing, widely recognized as one of the fastest growing team water sports in the world, has become very popular for fundraising events. The registration fee is $800 - $950 with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the United Way of Central Massachusetts.

The event begins at 9am with an opening ceremony featuring the lion dance performed by the Southeast Asian Coalition. Throughout the day, additional performances will include the dragon dance as well as Kung Fu & Tai Chi demonstrations performed by students from the Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academy of New England led by Sifu Gary Lachapelle. Bob and Zip of 100 FM the Pike will emcee the Dragon Boat races and broadcast their show live from noon to 4pm. Festival admission is free and family friendly for visitors. (DCR Regatta Point charges a daily parking fee.)

“Dragons are coming to Worcester, this is going to be something special to see,” said Telegram & Gazette Publisher, Paul Provost. “The T&G is proud to continue to bring special events like the Dragon Boast Festival to our community while bringing people together and raising funds for a great cause in the United Way. We thank all the teams and our sponsor Fallon Health for supporting our endeavors.”

“Fallon Health has called Worcester home for 40 years and is a longtime supporter of events that bring our community together,” said Richard Burke, President and CEO of Fallon Health, “The Telegram & Gazette has raised the bar on fun by introducing Worcester to the dragon boat races and what we hope will become a new tradition. Come cheer on Team Fallon as we race our business and community partners – all to benefit a great cause, the United Way of Central Massachusetts.”

Photo via Worcester Dragon Boats