The 2024 Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival will be held on September 28 at North Park. From its press release:
Get ready to paddle with a purpose and join the splash of excitement at North Park Lake! Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team invites you to a day of thrilling races, vibrant entertainment, delicious food, and family fun at our Sixth Annual Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival. The event runs from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Mark your calendars for a spectacular day where community spirit meets fierce competition on the beautiful waters of North Park Lake. This year’s festival features spirited races with community teams, sport teams, youth teams, para-paddlers, all cancer survivors, and dedicated breast cancer survivor teams battling it out for glory. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a curious newbie, everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
Form a team with 20-24 of your friends, family, and co-workers, and get ready to make waves! Each team will receive a one-hour practice session the week before the race, and all necessary equipment will be provided. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exhilarating experience – register online by September 18, 2024 or earlier, at https://www.pghdragonboatfestival.org/. Paddlers must be at least 12 years of age.
But that’s not all! The festival promises a full day with cultural performances, family-friendly activities, vendor booths, and mouth-watering food trucks. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, so bring your friends and family for a day of community, camaraderie, and celebration.
We’re also calling on local businesses and organizations to get involved. Opportunities are still available to support the event through team registration, sponsorship, and vendor booths. Your participation and generosity help make a meaningful difference.
All proceeds from the Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival will benefit Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel, an all-breast cancer survivor dragon boat team founded in 2017. With members ranging from ages 24 to 80, Hearts of Steel brings together survivors from diverse backgrounds to promote full and active lives through the empowering sport ofdragon boating. Learn more about this incredible team at https://www.heartsofsteelpittsburgh.org/.
*************************************************************************
More Information on Dragon Boat Racing: A dragon boat is a majestic 40-foot canoe adorned with a dragon head and tail. It seats 20 paddlers in pairs on 10 benches, with a drummer in the front keeping a steady cadence and a steersperson in the back. Dragon boat racing, an ancient sport with roots dating back 2,300 years in China, has evolved into a dynamic team-building activity that requires synchronicity and teamwork.
About HEARTS OF STEEL: Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering breast cancer survivors through the camaraderie and sport of dragon boat paddling. Operating under the Three Rivers Rowing Association’s 501(c)3, Hearts of Steel uses 100% of donations to support the activities, education, and needs of breast cancer survivors. Come for the races, stay for the fun, and leave with memories and inspiration. In this ‘Year of the Dragon’ come join the Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival for a vibrant celebration!
The festival runs from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm near the boathouse (map) and it is free and open to the public.