Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Racing Festival Set For September

PORT JEFFERSON, NY — The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 8th Annual Dragon Boat Festival on Sept. 17.

The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

It will have three racing heats, including 24 teams competing in a 250-meter, three- lane course, chamber officials said in a news release. Each team will be made-up of 20 paddlers, including one steersman and one drummer, chamber officials said, adding that at the end of the day, there will be an awards ceremony in which teams will receive medals and race team contests for the best team t-shirt and best costumed drummer.

Great White North will provide the dragon boats and equipment, and all race teams will have an encampment along Harborfront Park as they queue up for their races, chamber officials said.

The festival will have pan-Asian performers featuring the Lion Dance, Taiko, and Korean Drum performances, as well as singing and dancing. There will be cultural and educational vendors and retailers, as well as assorted food vendors offering Asian delicacies.

The event will also include crafts for children, as well as a drumming performance sponsored by Taiko Tides.

The opening ceremonies will include an Asian color guard, and a blessing of the fleet with the traditional Eye Dotting Ceremony. The event is rain or shine.

For more information, click here.