Annual Dragon Boat Festival puts paddle to the metal on Saturday
Sleek vessels with the heads of mythical flying beasts will again be stalking a nearby waterway…because this Saturday, May 2, the TVA Park at the Chickamauga Dam will be full of dragon boats, ready to row in the Ninth Annual Children’s Hospital Dragon Boat Festival.
Sinews will be straining, drums will be pounding, and supporters will be yelling, as the rowers push their boats to become this year’s Gold winner.
For the past few years, Children’s Hospital at Erlanger has been holding this all-day event to raise money, allowing children to have the medical care they need. During the festival, community and corporate teams race in Hong Kong-style boats, all 46 feet long, causing great exhilaration for both paddlers and onlookers.
The event involves, as the Children’s Hospital Foundation says, “excitement, friendly competition, and community spirit surrounding the sport.”
Participants must be at least 15 years old, but any person fitting the age requirements can enter, regardless of physique and natural talent. The goal is to raise $200,000 and each team has set a goal of $4,000, so if you want to help a good cause, pick your dragon and put your money down!
For more information, please check out the official website at paddleforchildrenshospital.org