The Third Annual Dragon Boat Races

August 14, 2009

This is a treat you don't want to miss. Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, Lake Gregory Regional Park in Crestline will be alive with the rhythmic sounds of dragon boat drummers setting the cadence for their crews.

Dragon boats are 40 foot long canoe-like boats with a green dragon's head on the bow and a spiked tail on the stern. Saturday's races are crewed by amateurs and Sunday's are crewed by professionals.

The Awakening of the Dragon begins the novice races at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. The drumbeats bring the dragon to "life" and the ceremonial "painting of the eyes" will begin the festivities. A weapons presentation by Shozen Martial Arts will be presented as part of the opening ceremony.

This is a great opportunity to highlight a different cultural experience in San Bernardino county. Proceeds will go to the San Bernardino County Regional Parks.

If you would like to participate in the races on Saturday, registration is $5 per person. Participants must be 8 years of age or older and be physically fit.

Park entrance fee is $3 per person. If you are a professional dragon boat crew person, the registration is $200 per boat with a maximum crew of 20.

In the beautiful scenery of the San Bernardino mountains, these exciting races offer an escape from the valley heat and will transport you to another time and another culture.