The Machestic Dragons, New Jersey’s first breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, will host a special 10th annual “Paddle for Pink” Community Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, June 18 at the Mercer County Park Lake.
The first and largest community dragon boat festival in the state, “Paddle for Pink” attracts more than 45 dragon boat teams from across the tri-state area plus thousands of spectators, dignitaries and media who come to enjoy the races and the family-friendly activities.
The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mercer County Park Lake in West Windsor. Admission to the festival is free for everyone who wants to watch, cheer and enjoy. Proceeds from team registrations, a large silent auction, and other fundraising activities will help support breast cancer patients and survivors with rehabilitation and education programs, as well as promote awareness and the need for mammograms. To date, “Paddle for Pink” has raised more than $100,000 for the nonprofit’s mission.
Look for Mercer Lake to come alive with colorful dragon boats — elegant 40-foot-long sleek dragon boats dressed with a dragon head in front and a dragon tail in back. A full boat has 20 paddlers working together in synchronized paddling. A steerer/coach in the back of the boat calls out the strokes, while a drummer, sitting on an elevated seat in the front of the boat, beats on a large drum to keep the paddlers in rhythm.
In addition to hosting competition in several race divisions (including breast cancer survivor teams), the festival features live entertainment, vendors, a variety of foods, cultural activities (including Chinese dragon dance performances), and much more.
Local dignitaries and invited guests will be on hand to “dot the eyes” of the dragon heads that adorn each boat, awakening the competitive spirit within, while a “Flowers on the Water” ceremony at noon honors the memory of those who have lost the battle with breast cancer during the last year.
Team registration is open. While many of the teams that will compete are seasoned, avid racers, some teams form specifically to participate just in “Paddle for Pink.” No experience, equipment or particular athletic ability is required — the Machestic Dragons will teach you how to paddle.
For more information on participating on, or forming, a team, becoming a sponsor, volunteering, or even joining the Machestic Dragons, visit www.paddleforpink.org or check visit the Facebook page.
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