Sign Up Now for 6th Annual Dragon Boat Race on Candlewood Lake

The Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) is enrolling teams for the 6th Annual Candlewood Lake Dragon Boat Race, to be held at New Milford‘s Lynn Deming Park on Aug. 16, 2104.

Initiated in 2009 with eight competing teams, the Dragon Boat race on Candlewood Lake is one of the most unique and thrilling sporting events in the Danbury area and has now doubled in size to nearly 20 racing teams and over 400 racing participants.

Dragon boating began in China, but has become a popular team activity all around the world. Dragon Boat Teams race side by side in 46-foot-long dragon boats in heats of up to four teams down the 200-meter racecourse.

Teams are supplied with all of the equipment they need — paddles, life preservers and the dragon boats they’ll paddle on race day. Each team is comprised of up to 20 male and female paddlers, plus a drummer. Teams get a privately coached team practice in the weeks leading up to the event, so that come race day, participants are ready to paddle their best.

“Each year hundreds of competitors descend on Lynn Deming Park to challenge for the right to be called the fastest team at the Candlewood Lake Dragon Boat Race,” said Mark Howarth, Education and Outreach Director of the CLA. “The Dragon Boat Race attracts a wide variety of competitive race teams including lake communities, clubs and individual groups of friends, as well as area businesses who value the great teambuilding opportunities that dragon boating provides their employees.”

All teams competing are amateur teams so there is no need for prior experience to paddle a dragon boat.

Food and refreshments will be provided by the New Milford Lions Club and entertainment at the event will include a live steel drum performance by Mustafa Alexander. All proceeds from the event support the CLA’s efforts to preserve and protect Candlewood for future generations.

Those interested in forming dragon boat teams or enrolling an existing team for the Aug. 16 race can sign up on the CLA website. If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor, or would like more information about the event go to www.candlewoodlakeauthority.org or call Howarth at the Candlewood Lake Authority at 860-354-6928.