Annual dragon-boat festival coming up Sept. 13 and 14

The third annual Montana Dragon Boat Festival promises two days of excitement, pageantry and family fun Sept. 13 and 14.

Held at the historic Flathead Lake Lodge on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake, the Montana Dragon Boat Festival has quickly become one of this region’s most anticipated signature events and one of the top 10 dragon boat races in North America in size. 

The sport with 2,000-year-old roots in ancient China is today the fastest growing international team water sport.

Teams of 20 paddlers with a drummer and steersman race in colorful 46-foot dragon boats. The event is highlighted by teams of breast cancer survivors who celebrate their recoveries and honor friends who have passed.

Races run from 8 a.m. to  5 p.m. Sept. 13. On Sept. 14, qualifying and championship rounds, capped by an award ceremony, run 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

Admission for spectators is free and food and beverage vendors will be on site. Feel free to bring blankets or lawn chairs. The festival includes children’s games and activities, a Made-in-Montana vendor showcase, live music and a special breast cancer survivor ceremony at noon Sept. 13. 

Parking is $10 per car at the corner of Montana 82 and 35 in Bigfork; this includes a shuttle pass good all weekend.  

On Sept. 13 at 6 p.m., the celebration moves to Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell for the Dragon Bash with free beverage sampling by local vendors, dinner and live music. Tickets are $25 and include dinner, music and dancing.

Fro more information, visit www.montanadragonboat.com.

The Montana Dragon Boat Festival is sponsored by the Flathead Community Foundation and organized by the Kalispell Convention & Visitor Bureau.