Kamloops Dragon Boat Festival to celebrate 30th anniversary this weekend

They’ll complete against 15 other teams from across B.C. in 500 metre races with four boats per race.

“We started in 1995 as the River Spirit Canoe Club Regatta which is now a dragon boat festival sponsored and organized by the Kamloops Sports Council,” Lisa Thompson, the President of KDBC, said, in a statement.

“Spectators can watch and listen to great music for free while they savour their ribs, chicken and drinks from Ribfest.”

A Pink Carnation Ceremony will also be held at 10 a.m. to honour breast cancer survivors as well as people who have lost their battle with cancer. Pink carnations will be distributed to attendees representing people who survived cancer and those who did not.

“It’s a moving ceremony for paddlers and spectators alike,” Grace LaBossiere, a 23-year survivor of Breast Cancer, said of the 15-minute ceremony.

“The Pink Carnation Ceremony is a hallmark event that celebrates survivors of breast cancer, encourages those battling the disease, and offers support for those who’ve lost significant loved ones and friends to cancer.”

As well, the ‘Give-It-A-Try’ initiative will aim to encourage men and women over the age of 50 to try paddling to support their physical and mental health. Interested participants are asked to reach out to KIDS club representatives who will be on-site.

Teams will load into dragon boats on the beach and they will start their races upriver with the finish line located near the Riverside Park pier. A timed 1,500 metre race is also scheduled to take place towards the end of the festival.

Organizers are asking users of the Thompson River to avoid the area in front of Riverside Park Saturday. Those who need to pass are being urged to slow down and stay outside of the race course.

“The cooperation of water user helps create a safe space for paddlers and keeps this beloved event running smoothly,” Sweet added.

For more information on the festival, go here.

by Victor Kaisar

Kamloops Dragon Boat Festival to celebrate 30th anniversary this weekend

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