Smooth sailing
WEATHER CO-OPERATES AS DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL CONTINUES TO BE A HIT IN CITY
It’s no secret that Lethbridge is a windy city, but the water was relatively calm this weekend for the 16th annual ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival at Henderson Lake.
“The weather has really cooperated, which makes things just so much easier, and it relieves all that anxiety leading up to an outside festival, especially when you have racers on the water when the wind picks up, or rain starts to happen, there’s a lot of security issues,” said Roy Pogorzelski, speaking for the Festival. “So, to have weather like this, it’s just been phenomenal.”
However, it wasn’t just the weather that was phenomenal, but also the work of the staff and volunteers.
“Our race officials, who set the race cards, and who are down there to ensure the teams get on and off the boats in a safe manner and making sure that we stick to the time, they do just an outstanding job. I am so impressed with how they keep everything organized and functional,” said Pogorzelski. “And our safety teams that are on the water, coming around making sure teams are safe, that’s the biggest proponent that this is a fun and safe festival.”
Overall, the festival was a success and brought thousands to Henderson Lake this weekend.
“Just estimating myself, it could be anywhere from probably 4,000 to 6,000, it could be more, this is just a guess ” said Pogorzelski. “A lot of people come out. Think of all the teams, there’s 67 teams of 26 paddlers, right there, that’s a pretty big turnout of athletes and their families that support them.”
In 2002, the inaugural year, 17 teams took to the the water and last year there were 52. “I think every year we get more teams, more people,” he said. “We want to keep growing.”
On Sunday, visitors were able to see some of the best compete as both the women’s and mixed finals took place in the afternoon before the 4 p.m. closing ceremony.
Spectators were able to attend the festival free of charge, but all proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the next, as well as Rotary funded community and international projects.
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