Dragon boats race on Flathead Lake
Hong Kong dragon boats to race on Flathead Lake
Montana’s first dragon boat race is set for September 8, 2012, on Flathead Lake in Bigfork.
Title sponsor of the Montana Dragon Boat Festival, the Flathead Community Foundation, is also encouraging local and regional participation in the event among the network of Flathead Valley nonprofits. FCF’s mission is to connect donors with their philanthropic interests for the present and permanent benefit of the community. In addition to a portion of every boat registration going to the breast cancer awareness initiative Save A Sister, FCF is also asking teams to rally behind the nonprofit of their choice and raise additional funds in pledges to support their cause.
For the event, all teams will race in the Hong Kong-style, 46-foot dragon boats. Each boat holds a team of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steerer. All ages, abilities and physiques are welcome, which makes the competition hinge upon teamwork and paddling style rather than brute strength.
To help organize the event the Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau has partnered with Dynamic Dragon Boat Racing LLC, which produces dragon boat festivals throughout the country. The company supplies the boats and gear, leads the safety and training sessions, and manages the races. Participants will have an opportunity to practice in the boats the two days prior to the event. Teams can register for the Montana Dragon Boat Festival at http://www.montanadragonboat.com.
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