Each year, Hope Chest Buffalo hosts the Niagara Dragon Boat Festival – a rowing competition that features some very impressive and ornamental oversized watercrafts that appear to be giant canoes. These beautiful Chinese dragon inspired vessels are a delight to see, especially as they race along the Buffalo River, commanded primarily by crews of breast cancer survivors.
There are also some boats that are comprised of community teams involved with Hope Chest fundraising efforts. Each boat accommodates twenty rowers, making for a fierce competition out on the water. The dragon boat also accommodates a drummer at the bow, and a sweep at the stern.
Races begin at 8:30AM, a special breast cancer survivors race is at 11AM, and the final race, a 2000 meter eight boat finale, launches at 4PM.
This year’s race is fully booked up, which means that there will be plenty of action.
The sport of Dragon Boat Racing dates back 2500 years in China. These crews of breast cancer survivors have adopted the sport due to the tremendous amount of upper body strength needed to power the vessels. Crew members are not only in excellent shape, they rely on teamwork to get the job done – all of these components are instrumental as part of the healing process. A zestful cheering from the crowd certainly adds to the momentum.
6th Annual Hope Chest Buffalo Niagara Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, June 17, 2017
7:45 AM – 5 PM
Buffalo RiverWorks | 359 Ganson Street | Buffalo, New York 14203
Open to the public – free for spectators
There is plenty to do for all ages, including a free kids corner