The Dragons are Busy and The Race Is On!
With less than six months to go until the call for "Paddles Up," the Dragons are busy planning the 2008 North Shore Dragon Boat Festival which will be held July 24 - 27. "We're looking to build on our success from 2007 to make this year's festival even bigger and better," Festival Director Deb Neitzke indicated. "Registration for 2008 is open so the race to be the first team registered has begun. Last year, Hungry Jack Outfitters claimed that spot."
An Inter-Generational Paddle will once again be held on Saturday, July 26th. For those who are too young or just want a "taste" for what dragon boating is, this is a fun opportunity. Registration for this event will be available at the festival's Information Tent in Harbor Park.
Youth races will also return again this year. They will again be held midday on Saturday. We'll also be hosting another training clinic in June.
Registration fees are once again tiered by entry date. In order to register at the lowest available fee, registration must be completed by March 15, 2008. This can be done by mail, using a copy of the festival brochure's or on-line Further information is available by contacting Neitzke at (218) 387-2578 or by email.
Once again the non-profit partners will be WTIP Community Radio, North Shore Health Care Foundation and North House Folk School. Each of these organizations provides volunteers for the festival and then divides the festival's proceeds.
"We've already had some interest from potential new teams and we hope to see all of our 2007 teams back this year," Neitzke said. "With the first deadline just six weeks away, the race is now on to be the first one registered for 2008!"