Dueling dragon boats will headline festival fundraiser

It’s more distinctive and decorative than even the most garish boat on the lake. With its unusual shape, brightly colored sides, sea-monsterish head at the helm and tail at the rear, there’s no mistaking a dragon boat.

On Sept. 14, crews aboard the canoe-like vessels that originated in China will attempt to synchronize their strokes in a race to the finish line as part of the Smith Mountain Lake Dragon Boat Race and Festival. Proceeds from the event will go to the Presbyterian Community Center in Roanoke.

Among the changes from last year’s festival, the first is the addition of a lake charity as a beneficiary. Those attending are asked to bring personal hygiene and cleaning supplies to be donated to Lake Christian Ministries.

Also new is the venue. The race and festival is moving from Bridgewater Marina to Parkway Marina in Huddleston.

“We felt we wanted to grow the event, and we needed more space,” said Nancy Hughes, a special event planner for the community center, which provides a variety of services to Roanokers in need.

Hughes said there are other additions to this year’s event, sponsored by Carilion Clinic and Velocity Care, that she hopes will produce a more festival-like atmosphere.

To that end, she’s lined up vendors; food; live entertainment, including the Bahama Mama Steel Drum Band; rickshaw rides; and the Shangri-la Dragon Dancers from Roanoke.

Also on hand will be Pearl Fu, founder and executive director of the Local Colors festival in Roanoke, who will serve as grand marshal. The popular carousel at Parkway will be open from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. for $1 rides.

The festival, free to spectators, will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The opening ceremony, which will include the dotting of the dragon eyes, a Chinese tradition, begins at 10:30 a.m. During the closing ceremony, awards, such as those for best-spirited boat and top fundraisers, will be given.

Eleven boats were entered in last year’s race; Hughes said she is hoping for 20 this year. It takes 21 crew members to fill a boat. Already registered are participants from North Carolina, South Carolina and Ohio.

“This brings a lot of money into Franklin County,” said Hughes.

Registration fee is $50 per team. Entry cost is $1,000 and includes two practice sessions and a coach. Both individual and team entries will be taken. Hughes said she will find a spot for those who want to participate but are not part of a team.

Perhaps the most notable addition to the festival is Wake the Dragon, a pre-party that will kick off the festival Sept. 5 at the Roanoke City Market Building from 6 until 9 p.m.

The admission fee is $25 per person, $45 for two and $30 per person at the door. The event will feature a band, food, silent auction and cash bar.

Tickets are available online at www.smldragonboatrace.com and at Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke.

For more information, call 982-2911, visit www.pccse.org or “like” SML Dragon Boat Race on Facebook.

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