Dragon Boat Festival leaves lasting impression
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Updated: August 18, 2009 2:39 PM
Tens of thousands of spectators, paddlers and performers experienced Victoria’s 15th annual Dragon Boat festival last weekend.
About 80 teams paddled for dragon boat-glory while thousands of impromptu cheerleaders hollered from the sidelines.
“There was a definite level of excitement when the races were on,” said Anne MacLaurin of the Victoria Dragon Boat Society.
But the festival was about more than just the finish line.
The Inner Harbour was an explosion of colour and culture.
“That’s what I enjoy about the festival. It’s competitive and there’s the paddlers and there’s the charity and you also have the cultural aspect of it,” said MacLaurin.
A number of performers entertained on two stages. Acts included thundering Taiko drumming by Uminari Taiko, the South Island Dancers from the Esquimalt Nation and demonstrations of Chinese martial arts.
“The unique thing with Victoria’s festival is we are about the ethno-cultural entertainment, food, artisans as well as the excitment and competition of the paddlers,” she said
There were also historic tours through Chinatown during the festival.
The Lights of Courage Campaign sold almost 10,000 colourful paper lanterns to benefit the Canadian Cancer Foundation, up 4,000 from last year.
MacLaurin said fundraising and donations seemed to be up, but organizers are still tallying up the numbers.
MacLaurin said she’s now searching out new diverse cultural acts and talent to add to next year’s performance.
lweighton@vicnews.com
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