The Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) is enrolling teams for the 6th Annual Candlewood Lake Dragon Boat Race. The race will be held on Aug. 16 at Lynn Deming Park in New Milford.
The race, one of the most colorful events on the lake, has grown each year, as more teams compete. The race began with The race began in 2009 with eight teams. By 2013, it had nearly 20 racing teams and over 400 participants.
All teams competing are amateurs and there is no need for prior experience. The New Milford Lion;s Club will furnish food and refreshments and there will be live music throughout the dayr. All proceeds from the event support the Candlewood Lake Authority..
Those interested in forming dragon boat teams ; enrolling an existing team; or sponsoring the event can sign up on the CLA website. at www.candlewoodlakeauthority.org or call Mark Howarth at the Candlewood Lake Authority at 860-354-6928.
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 race course. 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 August 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 Mark at the Candlewood Lake Authority at 860-354-6928.