Oriental’s ninth year of the Oriental Dragon Boat Race and Festival day will be held at Grace Harbor at River Dunes. A beautiful, protected and safe venue for our 300 meter dragon boat races.
August 11 • Grace Harbor at River Dunes in Oriental
“YEAR OF HOPE”
Oriental’s ninth year of the Oriental Dragon Boat Race and Festival day will be held at Grace Harbor at River Dunes. A beautiful, protected and safe venue for our 300 meter dragon boat races. August 11th events begin at 9am with The Running of the Oriental Dragon, a parade of teams, welcoming remarks and the Dotting of the Eye Ceremony to awaken the Dragon. Races start at 10am. There will be tents with seating, great food throughout the day, Children’s activities, lively music and our awards ceremony at 4pm.
The Dragon Boat Races are a part of the traditional Chinese festival each year with a history of more than 2,000 years. This ancient tradition has evolved into festivals and races around the world including international championship races. Today, over a million paddlers take part in annual dragon boat races and festivals all over the world.
Worldwide, the biggest appeal to those who participate in Dragon boating is how easily people of any ability and age can participate. It is considered the “ultimate” team sport for those new to the sport and the avid paddlers. People who never considered themselves athletes love the thrill, the teamwork in the connectivity of the team – Winning a medal is always a plus too! You’re giving 110 percent, but mostly it’s about everyone getting together, having fun and working together to support a good cause. The dragon boat crews vary in makeup, style, intensity and purpose. Representing all ages from teens (12) to senior citizens (oldest last year 87), along with all races and experience levels. We have teams in many categories Military Men and Women, Cancer Survivor Teams, Senior Teams, Youth Teams, Club Teams, Non-Profit Teams, Community Teams and Corporate Teams.
The Dragon Boat Race Teams “paddle” to raise funds to support the work of local non-profits by donating fundraising proceeds raised to teams’ local non-profit charities of choice. The Oriental Dragon Boat Race is also supporting raising funds this year for: Pamlico County Fishes and Loaves, Pamlico County Community Foundation, Journey of Hope Cancer Support Center Fit-Forever Program, Hope Clinic: “New Beginnings Program”, JoJo Working, Heartworks, and The Wounded Warrior.
There is still time to get in on the fun! Form a team or join the race as an individual paddler or just come out for the day to encourage the teams as they race!
For information, orientaldragonboat.com or call Flora Moorman 252.675.9424