Ninety dragon boat teams from the Pacific Northwest are trained and ready to have their spirits awoken for the great race at Ship Point this weekend.
Their competitive spirits will be ignited at a traditional eye-dotting ceremony, which kicks off a full weekend of racing and entertainment at the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival. It all takes place at Ship Point.
Races, called heats, take place all day Saturday and Sunday. The 20-person teams, including 22 from Victoria, will be randomly matched on the first day. Once teams are categories by skill, Sunday’s races promise to be nail biters as dragon boaters race the 500-metre course to beat others with similar experience levels.
There’s also lots to do for non-racers.
Two stages host entertainment, including multicultural dancing and music with such acts as Furusato Dancers, Harmony Belly Dance, The Midnights, and Salsa Caliente. There’s also a food court, activity centre for kids, beer garden ongoing throughout the weekend.