Dragon Boat Festival back in Penticton next weekend

The Penticton Dragon Boat Festival, now in its 18th year, is hoping for the usual sunshine and great weather, but has contingency plans for every level of smoke the Okanagan has experienced over the past several weeks.

Following the provincial government’s Air Quality Health Index closely, race organizers hope to run the event under clear blue sky, but have other options ready. Everything from modifying the race length, to postponing or adjusting the race schedule.

The event is set for next weekend, Sept. 7-8 on Skaha Lake.

“We’ve seen a number of events having to cancel in recent weeks due to extreme smoke levels, and it got us thinking about how we could still provide a racing experience for teams,” said race director Don Mulhall.

“With more than 2,000 athletes, and two days of racing, it is too big of an event to cancel. And with conditions capable of changing hourly, we’re committed to doing everything we can to ensure the event’s success, and paddlers are safe.

“The absolute goal is to run the event outdoors on beautiful Skaha Lake. The Penticton Dragon Boat Festival is well known for the beautiful race site and Skaha Lake Park.”

That’s when the idea for an “Indoor Regatta” came to mind. The local paddling community maintains a paddling room in the community centre utilizing rowing ergometers equipped with adapters that allow the machines to simulate paddling.

“We have four machines already, and we’ve just ordered four more adapters,” said Mulhall, adding the Penticton Dragon Boat Festival needed an indoor space to accommodate the potentially large numbers of teams.

David Prystay, owner of the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre, stepped up and offered free use of the centre.

“I met with David, he toured me around this beautiful new conference space, and when I explained our need for a back-up plan, he immediately pledged to support our event,” said Mulhall.

The Penticton Dragon Boat Festival is B.C.’s second biggest. Teams attend from around the province and Alberta for two days of racing.

For more information about the Penticton Dragon Boat Festival, contact Mulhall at (250) 488-3100, don@pentictondragonboat.com, or visit pentictondragonboat.com.