About the Festival
The Ithaca Asian American Association is proud to announce its 2008 Finger Lakes International Dragon Boat Festival scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2008.
We look forward to another spectacular Festival! Hope you will join us!
What is a Dragon Boat Festival?
To the Far East, a Dragon Boat Festival is a double celebration second only to the Chinese Lunar New Year. The celebration is thought to appease the dragon who controls the water needed for the crops, and also a tribute to Qu Yuan, a Chinese statesman and poet who committed suicide to protest injustice in the Chinese Royalty.
As one of the largest Chinese festivals of the year, this mythical celebration can now be witnessed in Upstate New York as well as around the world. To experience a dragon boat race—either watching or participating—is a thrill in itself and can be enjoyed by everyone.
What is Dragon Boat Racing?
Dragon boat racing has gained notoriety, becoming one of the fastest growing water sports in the world. Commonly seen in Asia an increasingly becoming popular in North America, Australia and Europe, Dragon Boat Racing promotes the spirit of competition, team building and camaraderie.
In Dragon Boat racing, teams of 22 crew members compete 250, 500, and 1000 meter races on a 42 foot canoe at 90 amazing strokes per minute. With races lasting from 1 minute to 5 minutes, thousands of spectators will be treated to incredible and dramatic finishes.