DRAGONS ON THE WATER
Boating event coming soon
Excitement is building for the first- ever local Dragon Boat Races, set to take place next month on the Waterford waterfront.
The event, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18 near the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center, brings a different type of boating to the town waterways.
Already known for its annual Tugboat Roundup in September and the Steamboat Meet in June, Waterford is adding another boating-based event to its summer lineup for 2018 with the all-new Dragon Boat Races.
“We’re very excited about it,” said Town Supervisor John Lawler, who wants the Dragon Boat Races to grow in years to come. “Were hoping that this will become an annual event in August.”
Along with creating a new community gathering, the Dragon Boat Races has a charitable aspect to it as well. Proceeds from the festival will go to the American Cancer Society.
“We’re collaborating with the Town of Waterford to help raise awareness about breast cancer, raise funds to fight breast cancer through research, and overall provide a great event for the community in the Town of Waterford,” said Jeff Winters, senior manager of community development with the Northeast Region chapter of the American Cancer Society. “It’s a unique event that doesn’t have a lot of comparables here in the Capital Region.”
This connection between dragon boating and breast cancer awareness goes well beyond Waterford. Breast cancer survi-
vors dragon boating is an international movement that has raised boatloads of money to help the cause.
Since announcing the Dragon Boat Races earlier this year, the town of Waterford has seen significant support for the new fundraising event. The response from area corporations has been wonderful, Lawler said. “I’m thrilled at that.”
In addition to sponsors and monetary donations the Dragon Boat Races are currently seeking participants.
Both experts and amateurs are invited to test the local waters in a dragon boat race.
The dragon boats and all equipment needed will be provided to teams at the event.
A dragon boat is a 550-pound, 40-foot long canoe-like boat, holding 20 paddlers sitting two abreast on 10 wooden seats. The paddlers use single blade paddles, shorter than most canoe paddles. A steersperson stands in the stern with a long oar and a drummer in the bow faces the paddlers.
Participants must be at least 12 years old.
“Were really looking forward to Waterford,” said Sheila Platt, a member of the local Dragons Alive dragon boat racing team. Based in Alplaus, Dragons Alive celebrates life and wellness through the ancient sport of dragon boating. The team is made up of multiple crews, including breast cancer survivors, friends and family, and community members who support and respect its mission.
Dragons Alive members often travel hours for competitions, but they’re happy this one is nearby their home base. “Geographically were absolutely in love because its 20minutes for us,” said Platt.
The Dragons Alive team has been working to spread the word about this new Waterford event within the regional dragon boating network. “Were very happy they’re doing this and we want them to succeed,” Platt said, who encourages all to try out dragon boating. “I think it’s going to be fantastic.”
The Dragon Boat Races event, which is free for spectators to attend, will also include local food and craft vendors and performances by a Chinese dance troupe.
“We think it’s going to be a fun event,” Lawler said. “Were trying to make it a real fun kind of day.”
More information about the Dragon Boat Races and online registration is available online at www.visitwaterfordny.com/paddlersofhope.