Pride of the Fox RiverFest is bringing in two authentic Chinese dragon boats, originally from Taiwan, 40-foot long and weighing 1,900 pounds. They are exquisitely handpainted, and have a large dragon's head with a wild mane and fierce open jaws. The boats are powered by canoe-type wooden paddles. A large red Chinese drum and all necessary equipment will be provided by the festival from the American Dragon Boat Association (ADBA). Boats will be paddled by local teams.

n China, the Dragon Boat Festival is second in importance only to the Chinese New Year. The observance commemorates a Chinese scholar-statesman, Chu Yuan, who threw himself into the river as a political protest more than 2,000 years ago. Respecting Chu Yuan for his integrity, the people jumped into their boats and raced in vain to his aid, banging on pots and thrashing their paddles in the water to scare the fish away from his body.

    The Chinese commemorated Chu Yuan, his unswerving loyalty and just character, by staging dragon boat races. They wave bright banners, beat gongs and make offerings to the river dragons.

    The sport was revived as a tourist attraction in Asia in the 1970s. In the 1980s, dragon boat racing spread to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada and the United States with international races held annually. It offers a glimpse of the Orient, past and present. The dragon, a much honored symbol, signifies loyalty, dignity, power and good fortune.

    Dragon boat racing was introduced to the Midwest in 1986 by the American Dragon Boat Association of Burlington, Iowa. And in 1992, it came to St. Charles and the Fox River!

Contemporary Racing

ur dragon boats seat 18 paddlers (in nine pairs) plus a drummer and flag-catcher. The steersman (an experienced steersman is provided for each team) sits at the stern and controls the boat's direction with an oversized paddle. At the bow sits the drummer who beats an authentic Chinese drum, setting the rhythm for the paddlers. A flag-catcher extends his/her body over the dragon's head to pull a flag at the end of the race course.

    The race course is approximately 300 meters (328 yards), with two boats participating, each in a separate lane. Teamwork is key to the race, completed in approximately two minutes, but no knowledge of paddling or canoeing is necessary to compete.

eam Composition: Teams must supply 20 members in the boat at all times-18 paddlers, at least four female paddlers, drummer and flag-catcher. All must be 14 years of age or older and sign a release form. Those under 18 years must have a parent/guardian's signature. Each team must designate a team captain who must be present for the captains' meeting prior to the races and ensure that his or her team follows all regulations and be present for the award ceremony. Life jackets (provided by festival) must be worn at all times in the boat.

    Team Names: Each team should have a team name, such as Acme Master Paddlers or Fox River Dragons. The name should reflect the make-up of the team.

    Uniforms: Each team is expected to wear a team uniform which may consist of a T-shirt and shorts. Shirts must be identical, and imprinted with team, club, or company logo. Teams are responsible for providing their own uniforms. In China, teams often wear head scarves or bands and face paint; temporary dragon-design tattoos also are seen. Bring extra team shirts to exchange with other teams. Start a collection!

    Team Flags (optional): Each team may bring a 2' x 3' team flag on a 5' pole for display at the Friday night Paddlers' Party, at the riverside during racing and in team photos. The team flag may include team name and/or logo, club, company, or sponsor.

ll teams are invited to the Friday night Paddlers' Party at the RiverFest's Riverside Stage.

    Races: Teams are encouraged to bring friends, fans, relatives and coworkers to the races. Plan on spending the day! Food and beverages are available at the race site, but no alcohol is allowed in Pottawatomie Park.

    Awakening the Dragon Ceremony: Traditional opening ceremonies on the first race day will include ancient Chinese rituals.

    Awards: Separate awards for each day's winners will be presented immediately following the final race each day: first, second and third places, plus a special "spirit" award for the team that best exemplifies the "Friendship through Paddling" motto of ADBA.

NTRY FEE: $425 per team (20 member teams) for one day of racing; $750 per team racing both days; and $800 to sponsor two teams, each racing one day. Late entries add $50 per team. Entry fee includes use of boats and equipment for practice session and in a minimum of two races, plus coaching and an experienced steersman for one day of racing. Each team member receives a limited edition commemorative RiverFest Dragon Boat Races pin.

t's easy! The beauty of this sport is that it accommodates a wide variety of skill levels. Qualifications for a team member suggested by ADBA are being in good health and being physically fit.

    Teams are made up of 20 members - 18 paddlers plus a drummer and flag-catcher. Team members must be at least 14 years old. No paddling experience is necessary.

    Business Teams: A business can form a team of employees (their family and friends), anyone who sells their product or ever used it.

    Club Teams: A team might be made up of members of a health club, golf club, sports team, etc., and consist of members, family and friends.

    Other Teams: An individual can form a team to include friends, neighbors, co-workers, golf and fishing buddies.

o sponsor the Dragon Boat races you don't need to have a team, we can put together a team for you. Just let us know what kind of team you'd like, and we'll do the rest.

    Equipment: All necessary equipment will be provided: boats, paddles, life jackets, basic instructions, coaches and expert steersmen.

    Practice Sessions: Dragon boats will be available for team practice. Check for availability and scheduling. We will provide coaching and experienced steersmen - approximately 30 minutes on the water.

    Offical Sanctioning: The Pride of the Fox RiverFest Dragon Boat Races are sanctioned by the American Dragon Boat Association. Their officals will supervise the event. ADBA has years of experience in dragon boat racing in the United States, China, New Zealand, Australia and Europe. Decisions of the race chairman are final.

    Practice Schedule: 5pm - 8pm, Monday - Thursday.

    Friday: Paddlers' Party (wear your team T-shirt; bring team flag). T-shirt exchange during party. Teams will be advised of time and location.

    Saturday: 8am - 6pm, Races.

    Sunday: 8am - 6pm, Races.

    Race Day Preferences: Teams will be paired for race days requested (Saturday or Sunday) in the order their entry forms are received. Every effort will be made to accommodate requests, but specific race days and times cannot be guaranteed. Plan on enjoying the whole day at the river!

    Entry Form: Click here for printable Dragon Boat Races Entry Form.

Kevin Morency, Race Coordinator
630/240-4299 or kmore15@comcast.net

    Pride of the Fox River Festival is produced by the St. Charles Festival Committee in cooperation with the City of St. Charles and the St. Charles Park District.