Seize the Spirit of the Dragon August 23rd and 24th when thirty three (33) dragon boat teams will race on the East River in New Glasgow as part of the Race on the River Dragon Boat Festival.

Participants from across Nova Scotia will be competing in a fun-filled day of races beginning at 8am on Saturday. Three boats will compete in each race with 22 people in a boat; 20 paddlers, a drummer (who keeps the beat of the stroke) and a steer-person (who keeps the boat straight). The Race on the River will introduce the sport of dragon boat racing to hundreds of people while promoting teamwork, community involvement and fun.

The festivities will commence on Friday evening at 6:30pm when the Honourable Myra Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia will open the Festival with the ceremonial Awakening of the Dragon. Opening ceremonies will be followed by an evening of entertainment at Glasgow Square featuring renowned Halifax entertainers The BBQ Kings. On Saturday, a host of activities, children’s tent, cake walk, tug-of-war and entertainment will accompany the races along the New Glasgow Riverfront.

Dragon Boat festivals are a small part of Chinese culture that dates back some 2,400 years. The festivals celebrate Chinese culture with entertainment, food, games and Dragon Boat races. There are Dragon Boat Festivals across Canada and around the world and Pictou County is proud to be host to one of the fastest growing athletic events in the world.

-30-