Dragon Boat Festival Will Take To The Water This Year After Two Year Hiatus

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The 21st annual Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival will take to the water this year to raise money for the PRHC Foundation, after having no in person event for the last two years.

Photo from the 15th annual Dragon Boat Festival. File Photo.

The festival will take place on June 11 at Del Crary Park.

“The last few years have been quite challenging for our team” said Festival host Survivors Abreast Team President Marg Walsh. “We are resilient and have managed to keep the team active and the Festival alive. We are inspired by the enthusiasm the community has already shown and can’t wait to once again welcome everyone to such a worthy and important fundraising event as we continue to work hard to ensure everyone from across our region has access to world-class breast cancer care.”

After being cancelled in 2020, the Festival went virtual last year and raised over $95,000, bringing their 20 year fundraising total to over $3.7 million dollars.

“It was absolutely awe-inspiring to see organizers and supporters keep this incredible event going in such fun and creative ways, while continuing their generous support of world-class regional cancer care, close to home,” said Leslie Heighway, PRHC Foundation president and CEO.

Participants will enjoy the same features that have been at the festival in the past as well as new ones including: 

  • A new FundRacing division for those teams or individuals who are not able to participate in person but still want to support the festival and make use of the fundraising tools available to those who register. (Prizes are also up for grabs for top fundraisers in this division)

  • The One Stop Dragon Boat Shop will be available online leading up to race day and in person on race day

  • The Family Fun Zone offering activities and crafts to keep all entertained

  • The Dragon’s Lair, Loft & Nest – a luxurious tent experience and added perks for the top three fundraising teams

  • The Vendor Village Market – with over 40 vendors brought to us from Modern Makers Market including food vendors

  • The Thirsty Dragon – Beer Garden

  • The Flower ceremony which will be open to the community at large to honour their loved ones.

According to Heighway, proceeds from this years Festival will allow Peterborough Regional Health Centre to invest in new state-of-the-art equipment and technology to serve more cancer patients, support earlier cancer diagnosis, and provide safer, more effective treatments.

Kawartha Credit Union will be the events sponsor for the 21st year in a row.

Registration for the 2022 Festival is available on April 1 at www.ptbodragonboat.ca.

The first 3 teams to register will win a free extra practice in a dragon boat on Little Lake. Participants and supporters are encouraged to engage with the Festival on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the handle @ptbodragonboat

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