9th Annual Partners In Education Dragon Boat Festival
Where can you go when a fraction of a second can mean the difference between “Well Done!” and “Nice Try...”?
Look no further than the 9th Annual Partners In Education Dragon Boat Festival presented by BP –Husky Refining, in International Park in Downtown Toledo on Saturday, July 24, 2010! “We are very pleased that for the 9th year in a row, Partners In Education offers free admission to this unique Toledo family festival!" said Kelly O’Loughlin, Program Coordinator for Partners In Education.
Forty two teams are scheduled to participate in the festival this year. The 40-foot long Dragon Boats, including dragon head and tail, will be racing down the Maumee River starting at 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Each team is comprised of a twenty member crew, plus a steersman and a drummer. Each team races a 500- meter course in four boat heats, and will participate in three races during the day. First round times will place boats in the second and championship round races. Awards will be given for various categories including industries ranging from media to banking at approximately 4:30 at the Gazebo in the park. Special awards such as Most Organized, Best Dressed, Most Team Spirit, and Best Decorated Team Tent as also given out during the day.
To add to the racing excitement, various cultural activities and demonstrations will be presented by the Chinese Association of Greater Toledo throughout the day in the China Village and the gazebo.
The festival also highlights a children’s activity area. This year the YMCA is facilitating the children’s area that includes crafts, which focus on dragons and Chinese culture, and play inflatables.
What is a festival without a fantastic range of foods including, BBQ, hamburgers, Italian sausage, Chinese foods and pizza? Along with dedicated food vendors such as Tom’s BBQ, Nick’s World Famous Hot Dogs, Yummy Treats, the festival welcomes PF Chang China Bistro and Little Caesars Pizza (1515 South Byrne)and Mr. Frosty. Food vendors are open from 9:00 am through 4:00 pm.
Parking for the festival will be available in lots across Main Street, the back lot of The Docks restaurants, near the Willis B. Boyer and the Volleyball courts.
Press Release Contact Name: Kelly Oloughlin
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Partners In Education