Dragon Boat Festival changes focus, organizers take less competitive approach

After 13 years, organizers of the annual Dragon Boat Festival have decided to take a more recreational and less competitive approach

The Thunder Bay Dragon Boat Festival is adding a few twists to the 13th annual event at Boulevard Lake this weekend.

“We’re going in the opposite direction,” said festival chairman Volker Kromm. “We’ve changed the focus from serious competition to a lot more family and friendly recreational paddling.

“It’s no longer in the realm of those hardcore athletes. That’s a new trend for us.”

The number of teams this year has increased by 10 with 35 teams registered for the July 15-16 festival. Kromm said it’s a step in the right direction.

“It will still make money for the charities,” he said, adding they’ve forecasted 45 teams participating next year and they hope to eventually reach 55 teams for future events.

“Getting too big is far too difficult. You have to get more boats; it’s complicated,” said Kromm.

The festival organizers will be altering next year’s program based on what participant think of this year’s event.

“We’re trying to really reach out to the community and see what they want to do out there and make it easier for them to compete in,” Kromm said.

Kromm said they’ve also added a large children’s area this year with inflatables, games and storytelling. The stage is back this year with some local entertainment lined up for the weekend.

The focus is making the festival more viewer-friendly.

All proceeds from the Thunder Bay Dragon Boat Festival go to the St. Joseph’s Foundation of Thunder Bay, the Catholic Family Development Centre of Thunder Bay and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

For more information on the festival visit www.thunderbaydragonboat.com.