The Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau is pleased to invite the public to experience a high-spirited celebration of culture, sport and community. The Walgreens Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival returns on Saturday, July 27, 8 AM – 5:00 PM, to Lake Arlington in Arlington Heights. This ancient Chinese sport has been gaining popularity in North America over the past twenty years and has become the world’s fastest growing water sport.
Dragon boats are 40-foot human-powered canoes decorated with ornate Chinese dragon heads. Led by the rhythmic beat of a drum, teams consisting of 20 synchronized paddlers, one drummer, and one steersperson race the boats 500m down the river. Social groups and businesses alike embrace the sport of dragon boating because it builds camaraderie and a sense of “team” through participation in the sport.
The Festival is free for spectators and includes an interactive expo area highlighted by the Walgreens Health & Wellness Village, food marketplace, kids zone and non-stop racing on the water.
The Walgreens Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival is the fifth stop of the Major League Dragon Boat Series. The event draws in experienced participants from Midwestern states and Canada, but also first-time racers from around the Chicago area.
The race of the long boats launched from the south side of Lake Arlington with the races running from east to west (finish line on the west side of the lake near the clubhouse).
About Great White North:
GWN Dragon Boat is North America’s largest full service dragon boat event marketing company producing over 45 festivals annually. Additional activities include training camps, dragon boat equipment sales and corporate events. www.gwndragonboat.com.
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