A day on the water

Wellington celebrates 10 years of dragon boating

Of all its fundraising endeavours throughout the year, the annual dragon boat festival is Wellington District Lions Club’s biggest. This year’s event will mark Wellington Lions Dragon Boat Club’s 10th anniversary. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 13 for a fun-filled day of racing at the Wellington habour and channel (access via Beach Street).

About a dozen dragon boat teams from southern and southwestern Ontario, including two breast cancer survivor teams, will gather for the event, with each team participating in at least four races throughout the day. The event also sees significant local participation with community teams, including the Royal Canadian Legion-Wellington Branch 160, Wellington on the Lake and Community Living.

To mark the occasion of their 10th anniversary celebrations, this year’s festivities will begin on Friday, August 12, where from 4:30 p.m. to dusk, folks will have an opportunity to try out a variety of water sports, including kayaking, dragon boat paddling and stand-up paddleboarding. Activities take place at Wellington Beach park area and harbour channel, where ice cream and hot dogs prepared by the Wellington Lions and 4H Club members and friends will be available for those needing a little sustenance. The late-afternoon/ early-evening activities conclude at dusk with a Chinese Dragon Boat Festival Ceremony, where folks can either choose to partake or simply watch and enjoy.

Race day isn’t just about winning or losing, it is about having fun, experiencing sheer exhilaration, and sharing laughter and achievement with paddling comrades. It is also about a cause: acknowledging those living with breast cancer as well as remembering those who have lost the battle. But the biggest winners are those in the community who benefit from the Wellington District Lions Club’s fundraisers where all money raised proudly stays in the community.

Admission is free, so come out and celebrate! It’s not too late to paddle in the races or put a team together.

For more information, visit: e-clubhouse.org/sites/wellingtonon/index.php.

STORY: SHARON HARRISON
PHOTO: JUANITA MCMAHON