Miramichi Dragon Boat Festival

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL is paddling into Miramichi, NB via the Rotary Club of Chatham.

On August 19-20, 2011 the Miramichi River was alive with the anticipation of spectators and over 1000 participants racing for the Dragon Boat Glory! There were lots of great entertainment, vendors, prizes and fun for all ages. Dragon Boat racing is a long-standing Chinese cultural tradition dating back 2,400 years. It began as a ceremony held to commemorate the death of Qu Yuan, a minister of State in ancient China. Today, Dragon Boat racing is the source of annual rituals and festivals celebrated around the world. It is one of the fastest growing team based water sports with approximately 50 million participants in over 60 countries.

The race is a 250 m course lasting approximately 2 min starting at the Rodd Hotel and ending at Waterford Green. Teams consist of 24 people, including 20 paddlers, 4 spares, a drummer, and one professional steers person who will safely guide the 46’ boat. Every team had one practice and at least 3 races at the festival. The race is suitable for those 19 and over from all fitness levels. The entry fee for a team is $1000 (a little less than $50 per person) and team members will be challenged to raise as much money as possible. Individuals who raised more than $100 were entered into a draw to win an all inclusive trip for two to Jamaica, Mike Dickinson was our winner. For information on the Miramichi Rotary Dragon Boat Festival, please contact us at rotaryclubofchatham@gmail.com . Soon the time will come for sponsors and teams to sign up for our 2nd Annual Festival! This is the only major regional water event on the Miramichi River! The Dragon Boat Festival promises to be fun from morning to night. Please join us next year August 13th-19th, 2012 for a fun-filled team building event of good sportsmanship. All money raised will assist community projects supported by the Rotary Club of Chatham.

Printable Registration Form

Print off the registration form to fax or mail with payment (pdf) click here

Register Online

Enter team name and click Pay Now to continue online registration

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