Exotic Dragon Boat Festival Back in Action at Bayfront Park Miami, FL

Miami, FL March 17, 2004 The Miami Overseas Chinese Association a non-profit 501c(3) organization, in conjunction with the Miami Dragon Boat Club Inc., announces the Second Annual Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. The festival is set to take place on September 25th & 26th, 2004 in beautiful Bayfront Park. After a most successful first festival on October 2003, we are pleased to once again bring this Asiatic international event to the communities of South Florida. The purpose for the annual Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is to promote the sport and tradition of dragon boat racing as well as lending its dramatic Asian tradition for a fusion with Hispanic flavor, producing a mixture of both cultures in a city as diverse and ever-growing as Miami.

     Descended from ancient Chinese folklore, Dragon boat racing is the fastest growing outdoor water sport in the world, according to Paddler Magazine. There are over 2000 teams worldwide and over 50 million fans. It combines tradition with modern day teamwork, enthusiasm, and strategy. The Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival features International Dragon Boat Federation Dragon Boats measuring 45ft in length, 4ft in width, and carry 20 paddlers, 1 drummer, and 1 steersperson. Teams will race down a 250-meter waterway. No prior experience is needed. It is important to have a competitive spirit and the ability to work together as a team. Hispanic culture will be integrated through live musical performances as well as other venues. The festival is also a way of encouraging Miamians to become more physically fit, while enjoying the scenic outdoor opportunities of our city.
    The festival will be comprised of non-stop two day stage entertainment, foods from all over the world, vendors, and non-stop dragon boat racing. We are in the process of joining forces with a local chapter of a national charity in which some of the proceeds will be allocated towards.

    Currently dragon boats are making a name for themselves on the streets of Miami. The boats were recently paraded in the Annual Three Kings Day Parade and the Greater Miami Mardi Gras Festival and Parade where Biscayne Blvd was shut down to accommodate the event. The Dragon Boats will also be on display at the Dade County Fair and Exposition in March. The Miami Dragon Boat Club and its members also practice on a monthly basis on the waters of blue lagoon, attracting attention from Expressway drivers.

    Festival organizers are in the process of recruiting teams whether they'd be from companies, corporations, other non-profit organizations, government agencies and/or college-high school teams.

For more information and pictures please visit www.miamidragon.com.




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