Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival

With the outstanding success of the 2008 Dragon Boat Festival we are excited to be moving forward with the 2009 event schedule. Mark your calendars August 15 & 16, for the second annual Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival!

Held at spectacular Lake Minnewanka, the races will feature boats with teams of 22 paddlers, a drummer and steers person in heats of 200 and 500 metre stints and a selection of specialty cup races. The festival kicks off on Friday with the traditional Eye Dotting Ceremony where Buddhist monks bless the Dragon Boats. This ancient ritual of “awakening the dragon” is done by painting the eyes on each of the Dragon Boat Figureheads to call forth their spirits.

The weekend offers an opportunity for families to watch the competition from the shores of Lake Minnewanka plus witness the lion and dragon dance performance in downtown Banff.

Stay tuned for more details and developments!