Directions to Howard T. Brown Park, Norwich, CT

For 2009 Final Results of the Dragon Boat Races Click Here

The Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce presents the fourth annual River Fest with Dragon Boat Racing.  Bragging rights are up for grabs!  24 teams consisting of 21 people (20 paddlers and one drummer, who sets the beat for the paddlers) will race in the Norwich Harbor. 

The event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Howard T. Brown Park in downtown Norwich. In addition to the action of the Dragon Boat races there will be a Fine Arts & Crafts Show and plenty of food and cold beverages.

Now's the time to register your team, volunteer to help, or become a sponsor by following the links above.  For more information, call the Chamber office at 860-887-1647.

A Little History...

Dragon boating is an ancient sport, rich in culture and tradition; it originated in China over 2000 years ago.  It began when the famous and much loved Chinese poet, Chu Yuan, threw himself into the Miluo River to protest against government corruption.  When the people of his village saw this, they jumped into their boats and paddled furiously to try and rescue him, while beating drums to fend off evil spirits. Unfortunately they could not save him, but every year thereafter the people would commemorate this day by gathering in their boats and racing in his memory.

 Over the last 20 years Dragon Boating has exploded in popularity in North America with nearly 100,000 people taking part in festivals across the United States and Canada. It is easy to learn, the boats are extremely stable, and once a paddler is in stroke, it doesn't matter how big, small, old, or young he or she is, they are contributing to the team.  

Dragon Boats are 41 feet in length, 45 inches wide and weight 550lbs.  

Thank You for Your Continued Support!

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