Dragon boats set to race at Henderson Lake this weekend

By Steffanie Costigan - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on June 23, 2023.

The Dragonboat Association of Southern Alberta (DASA) is swiftly paddling in preparation for the annual ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival this weekend at Henderson Lake Park.
Sixty seven teams are set to compete in this year’s dragon boat festival, including eight beginner teams.
Karen Johnson, DASA race chairperson and head coach, said there’s been a shift in participation this year compared to previous years during COVID-19.
“Something is different this year,” Johnson says. “Obviously, after COVID last year, people were still a little apprehensive, I think, of being so close in a boat, because in a dragon boat you are jammed inside by each other. This year people are embracing and wanting to come out and be together.”
Johnson notes two participants in the race this year have made the Canadian national teams and are heading to Thailand. Two teams comprise Ukrainian refugees, and members of one team called Blind Ambition, are blind.
“Dragon boat is so enjoyable because it welcomes everybody,” says coach Suzanne Harris. “It goes back to sort of the Alberta participation.”
The festivities begin at 6 p.m. this evening with an open ceremony at Henderson Park, followed throughout the weekend with racing action, music, beer gardens, vendors and kid zones.
The traditional Rose Ceremony in honour of those who have battled breast cancer is set for noon on Saturday.
Harris added there will be an opportunity after the festival for anyone who is interested, to try dragon boating.
“They just need to go on the DASA website and pop your name in there and just a phone contact. We would love to see people come down because we’re hoping to run some more practices after the fact.”
DASA youth team is raising money to travel to the world Dragon Boat championships in Thailand on Aug. 7-13. Donations can be submitted to DASA or e-transferred to treasurerdasa@gmail.com.
Ben Lamb, lead vocal in RebelAngels 50’s, expressed his excitement to perform at the dragon boat festival.
“We’ve been really focused on getting people up dancing, having a good time,” Lamb said. “And if they’re not dancing, they’re usually singing along from their chairs.”
Keith Lamb, guitar and vocals in RebelAngels 50’s, said he has participated in dragon boat racing in the past, and the festival is a great opportunity for people to enjoy the activity.
“It a fun way for everybody in the community to get together and come out and have fun,” he said. “The dragon boat festivals have been going on for years, and it’s so big. It’s a big deal.”

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