Inaugural Bucks County Dragon Boat Festival

RELEASE: September 11, 2015

CONTACT: Gwen Coverdale, 267-884-6328 gwen@cabincommunications.com

Inaugural Bucks County Dragon Boat Festival Partners with St. Mary Medical Center to

“Paddle Out Hunger” on Saturday, September 19, 2015

Langhorne, PA – Bucks County has a long and proud history when it comes to athletic competition. For decades, the rolling hills, woodlands and historic homes of the region have provided the perfect backdrop for 5K runs, marathons, bike races and even triathlons. On September 19, 2015, the County will add yet another event to that list when it hosts the inaugural Bucks County Dragon Boat Festival in scenic Core Creek Park (Langhorne, Pa).

This festival, which is presented by the Bucks County Dragon Boat Association (BCDBA) and sponsored by St. Mary Medical Center, will bring together 48 dragon boat teams – of all skill levels - from across the tristate region for a day of friendly competition, cultural demonstrations and family fun with the overarching goal of paddling out hunger in the community.

“Dragon boat races have long been associated with Philadelphia and other large cities,” says Chris Wetzel, president of BCDBA. “With the help of St. Mary Medical Center, Visit Bucks County and the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation we are now making this exciting sport available to those in our own community. I’m also very proud of the fact that this event builds upon one of BCDBA’s founding principles – helping those in our area who are at risk of food insecurity.”

Festivities kick-off at 7:30 a.m. with an opening ceremony, held at the boat house of Core Creek’s Lake Luxembourg. Racing begins promptly at 8 a.m. and will continue throughout the afternoon. The event will culminate in a medal ceremony mid-afternoon. There is no cost to attend the event as a spectator – though canned food donations are welcomed.

In addition to the races, the festival will feature cultural demonstrations provided by Lee’s Lion Club of Philadelphia and Action Karate Jamison. Live musical performances will be provided by Christina Nelson, Jon Conklin and the Bellevue Blue band. Other activities include food trucks, face painting, health tents and an array of vendors.

Proceeds and food donations from the Bucks County Dragon Boat Festival will benefit the Bucks County Housing Group, which operates food pantries in Doylestown, Penndel and Milford Square.

To learn more about the Bucks County Dragon Boat Festival or the sport of dragon boat racing, visit