One of the most popular events at Niles Riverfest is the Dragon Boat race. The Dragon Boat Challenge will take place Saturday, August 7, at 9:00 AM.

Dragon boat teams consist of 18 paddlers and one drummer.  All participants must be at least 14 years of age.  You can watch these festive, colorful boats with dragon's heads, long tails and scaly bodies, as they race down the river for the best time.  There will be two teams competing per heat.  Awards will be presented immediately upon the completion of the event.  Awards will be given for each division, and a special “Spirit Award” will be given to the team which best exemplifies the American Dragon Boat Association motto of friendship through paddling.

This colorful, exciting event is part of the Chinese tradition, which began more than 2,000 years ago.  Many people believed that boat racing would ensure prosperous and bountiful crops.  These celebrations took place on the summer solstice—at the time of year typically associated with disease and death, and when man felt most helpless against the powers of nature.  The race has come to symbolize man's struggle against nature and his fight against dangerous enemies.