Dragon Boat Races Return to Flathead Lake This Weekend
By OutdoorAly

Posted: September 6, 2013

The eighth fastest-growing sport in the world has taken off in Montana as well. The second annual Montana Dragon Boat Festival will take place this weekend  Saturday Sept. 7 and Sunday Sept. 8 2013 on Flathead Lake. The racers will gather at Flathead Lake Lodge where 92 teams will launch their long boats.

The teams are made up of 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steer person compete against each other in colorful and ornate 46-feet-long boats. All ages and skill levels can participate, making the sport a popular team-building experience for businesses and organizations. The festival is expected to attract up to 3,000 spectators and 600 racers, according to Montana Official State tourism site: www.visitmt.com, drawing visitors from the Pacific Northwest and Canada, where the sport of Dragon Boat racing has become increasingly popular.

DragonBoat_above

photo courtesy http://montana.racedragonboats.com

Free Admission. Saturday and Sunday races begin at 8am. All event parking is located at the corner of Hwy 35 and Hwy 82 in Bigfork.  $10/vehicle – cash only – good for Saturday and Sunday and includes free shuttle to race site.  Shuttles run all day Saturday and Sunday beginning at 6am.

Enjoy the all day festival featuring local food, beverages and live music, vendors featuring Montana made products and great kids activities including a fishing pond.  See the complete schedule below:

Friday  September 6th  – Captains Race Briefing Reception
6:00 – 7:30 Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell

Saturday, September 7th – RACE DAY
8:00am – 5:00pm  Races – rounds 1 and 2  VIEW RACE SCHEDULE  (updated 9-03-13)
12:00pm  BCS Ceremony
Through out the day:  Food and drink, music, Made in Montana vendors and kids activities including fishing pond

Location: 150 Flathead Lodge RoadBigfork, MT 59911

Phone: 406-758-2820

Saturday, September 7th – DRAGON BASH
Red Lion Hotel, Kalispell
6:00  Free beverage sampling by local vendors
7:00  Dinner
8:00  Live music by sho down
Tickets available online, $25.00 each.  At Bash enter to win free team registration to 2014 event!

feature photo courtesy http://press.discoverkalispell.com

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