The Dragon Boat Festival is ready to set sail

By Lethbridge Herald on June 22, 2024.

Members of the Hung Mon Athletic Club perform a traditional lion dance, a mainstay of the opening ceremonies of ATB Financial Lethbridge’s annual rotating dragon boat festival, Friday evening at Henderson Lake. Herald photo by Justin Seward

Justin Seward – HERALD OF LETHBRIDGE

The 22nd edition The Lethbridge Rotating Dragon Boat Festival, powered by ATB, officially kicked off with the Opening Ceremony festivities at Henderson Lake Park on Friday evening.

The program opened with Oh Canada sung by Tsuaki Marule in three languages, followed by speeches from Rotary and government officials, an opening prayer by Mike Bruised Head, a lion dance and performances by Jamie Medicine Crane and Friends.

The usual The paddling ceremony was canceled due to lightning issues.

“This extraordinary event brings communities together with approximately 1,600 attendees and 15,000 attendees,” said Karl Samuel, assistant governor of Rotary District 5360.

“This is all made possible thanks to the hard work of Lethbridge Rotary Clubs who help organize this event and encourage 200 community members to volunteer over the weekend. Hosting this event is just one of the ways Lethbridge Rotary Clubs helps build communities across the city.

Advice. Jeff Carlson reminded the crowd that it wasn’t just about racing, but celebrating a tradition that dates back centuries.

“A festival that honors courage, unity and of course the spirit of community and that’s one of the things our community does best: celebrate,” Carlson said.

“As we all paddle in synchronized harmony, we embody the strength that comes from working toward a common goal and working together to achieve it. »

Racing starts today at 7am with the ATB Kids Zone opening at 10am and beer gardens at 11am. Live music and entertainment will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., while food vendors can fill hungry stomachs from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

At 11 a.m., the Cancer Survivor C-Cup Challenge will take place with the rose ceremony at noon and racing resuming at 12:30 p.m.

The races resume on Sunday at 7:30 a.m. with the semi-finals. The Kids Zone will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the beer gardens from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Start of the race finals at 11:30 a.m.

At 3 p.m., popular city band The Chevelles will perform their final performance at the festival.

More than 80 teams have registered, while there will be more than 1,200 participants, more than 200 volunteers and more than 15,000 people around Henderson Park this weekend.

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