A fraction of a second may not seem like a long time, but at the 9th Annual Partners In Education Dragon Boat Festival, it can mean the difference between “well done!” and “nice try”

This year’s festival, presented by BP-Husky Refining, will be held July 24 in International Park in downtown Toledo.

“We are very pleased that for the ninth year in a row, Partners In Education offers free admission to this unique Toledo family festival,” said Kelly O’Loughlin, program coordinator for Partners In Education.

Forty-two teams are scheduled to participate in the festival. The 40-foot long Dragon Boats will be racing down the Maumee River starting at 8 a.m. and continuing through 5 p.m.

Each team is comprised of a 20-member crew plus a steersman and a drummer. Teams race a 500-meter course in four-boat heats, and will participate in three races during the day.

First-round times will place boats in the second- and championship-round races. Awards will be given for various categories including industries ranging from media to banking at approximately 4:30 at the gazebo in the park. Special awards in categories such as Most Organized, Best Dressed, Most Team Spirit and Best Decorated Team Tent also will be presented.

Various cultural activities and demonstrations will be presented by the Chinese Association of Greater Toledo throughout the day in the China Village and the gazebo.

The festival will also include a children’s activity area facilitated by the YMCA that will include inflatables and crafts that will focus on dragons and Chinese culture.

Food vendors, including Tom’s BBQ, Nick’s World Famous Hot Dogs, Yummy Treats, PF Chang China Bistro, Little Caesars Pizza and Mr. Frosty will be available from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m.

Parking for the festival will be available in lots across Main Street, the back lot of The Docks restaurants, near the Willis B. Boyer and the volleyball courts.

For more information on the Dragon Boat Festival and/or Partners In Education, visit www.partnerstoledo.org, Facebook (Toledo Dragon Boat Festival) or on Twitter (follow Toledo Dragons).

The 9th annual Partners In Education Dragon Boat Festival will feature races on the Maumee River, kids’ activities, food and more. (Photo courtesy of Partners In Education)

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed