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Cheer on the Dragon Boat Races
September 20 @ 8:00 am
Date: Saturday, September 20
Location: The NASWA Resort | 1086 Weirs Blvd, Laconia, NH
It’s going to be an AMAZING DAY!
Come down for 8am to 2pm and join us in cheering on your favorite dragons as we watch the Laconia Dragon Boat Festival races right out in front of the NASWA Beach!
You’ll see all of the tradition, teamwork, and excitement of the races as teams paddle their way across the channel all to help raise money and support “The Cure Starts NOW Foundation”! Once racing has ended and the dragons have been put back to sleep, stick around and catch the Henry LaLiberte Band LIVE at 5PM
More about dragon boat racing:
Dragon boat racing is an ancient Chinese water sport that dates back more than 2,000 years. It began as part of the Duanwu Festival (Dragon Boat Festival), which commemorates the poet and statesman Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest against corruption. Legend says that villagers paddled out in boats to save him (or to scare fish and evil spirits away from his body), and they beat drums and threw rice into the river. Over time, this evolved into the ritualized races we know today.
Dragon boat racing is not just about speed, it’s about teamwork, rhythm, and community spirit! Each race reflects values of unity and cooperation, as the entire crew must paddle in perfect harmony to succeed. The sport also honors cultural traditions, keeping alive the myths, music, and rituals (like the Awakening the Dragons ceremony) tied to Chinese heritage.
Today, dragon boat racing is a global sport. It’s practiced in over 70 countries, with international competitions, clubs, and governing bodies like the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). Races are held not only in Asia, but also in North America, Europe, and Australia. Many festivals combine racing with cultural celebrations—food stalls, parades, martial arts, and music.
The Boats & Crews: Each boat is decorated beautifully with a colorful dragon head and tail. Look for the drummer up front – they’re the heartbeat of the team! The paddlers move in perfect rhythm, powering the boat forward while the steerer at the back quietly keeps everything straight and on course.
The Races: Distances are usually 200m, 500m, or 2,000m and boats launch from the starting line to the booming beat of the drums. The fastest boats are the ones with the cleanest, most synchronized strokes – not just brute strength.