News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Riverpalooza/Dragon Boat Races are back for second year
Riverfront event hosted by Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council
(June 18, 2016) – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne will again host Dragon Boat Races as part of the Riverpalooza festivities to take place Saturday, June 25 at Headwaters Park West.
The unique event will be presented by the Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council and is designed to provide an event for the public to enjoy the outdoors, our rivers, and all that our City has to offer.
Dragon Boat Racing is a rapidly growing sport that combines rich Chinese traditions, competition, teamwork and fun. Often, dragon boats are emblazoned with bright colors, dragon scales, and a dragon head and tail. Typical dragon boats are 46 feet long and feature 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steersman. During the course of the race, the job of the drummer is to keep an effective beat in order to synchronize the paddlers. Actual races are usually between 200-2000 meters and can last up to 10 minutes.
Teams will race a 300 meter course on the St. Marys River beginning at Headwaters Park West and ending at the Wells Street Bridge.
“Last year was a great success and we’re looking forward to another tremendous experience along our rivers,” said Mayor Henry. “People of all ages are able to enjoy this activity. By working together, we’re committed to enhancing the riverfront area as a destination place for families, businesses, and visitors.”
Events will include:
- Authentic Chinese opening ceremony begins at 8 a.m.
- Dragon Boat Races will take place all day beginning at 9 a.m.
- Live music from 10 a.m.-4 p.m./food trucks/activities for children/face painting
The title sponsor for the event is Parkview Regional Medical Center. Participating sponsors are Lincoln Financial Group, Greater Fort Wayne Inc., Ivy Tech Community College-Northeast, Steel Dynamics, and Riverfront Fort Wayne. The media sponsor is 21Alive. For more information, visit https://riverpaloozafw.org/.
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