Dragon Boat Festival
Dragons and warriors alike will descend Saturday at 8 a.m. on the TVA Park at Chickamauga Dam for a water war. The purpose of this Chattanooga boating battle is to benefit Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
Dating back more than 2,300 years, Dragon Boat racing features teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steerer in 46-foot long Chinese dragon boats, racing through the water to the finish line. Paddlers ages 15 and older at any skill and fitness levels can participate, making it the ultimate team building sport, said officials.
Approximately 30 corporate and community teams are already registered with hopes of raising more than $150,000 during this year’s event.
Spectators will be able to cheer on their favorite teams throughout the day as participants display dragon boat apparel and race to the finish line in several different heats. Food vendors will be available for a quick bite to eat. Top prizes will be awarded later in the afternoon to the fastest teams and those raising the most money.
To learn more about the festival or for information on how to volunteer, call 778-9298, email Christian.Orth@erlanger.org or visit www.paddleforchildrenshospital.org.
Dragon Boat Festival