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Dragonboaters hit Ramsey Lake Saturday

Annual event, which first ran in 2000, has raised more than $1.7M for local capital campaigns
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Ramsey Lake will be a busy place Saturday, with 40 teams set to participate in the 2018 Sudbury Dragon Boat Festival.

The event begins at Bell Park Main Beach at 9 a.m. July 14, running until around 5 p.m.

Festival administrator Angèl Riess says participants take part for many reasons, including physical fitness, fundraising or as a team-building exercise for organizations — not to mention just for fun.

If you're cheering on a friend or family member, or just taking in the races, there's a great view from the hill near the William Bell Gazebo, she said.

It's expected to be 31 C and sunny on Saturday, so don't forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water and perhaps even a tent or umbrella to create some shade over your lawn chair.

There's plenty to do on site during the races. 

“We have activities that happen throughout the day,” Riess said, such as children's activities, food and other vendors and booths handing out swag and raising awareness of organizations.

The festival, which has been running since 2000, has raised more than $1.7 million since its creation for local capital campaigns.

In previous years, funds have helped the Sudbury Food Bank, the Sam Bruno PET Scan Fund and Independent Living Resource Centre.

This year's beneficiary is the Sudbury Hospice Foundation's Stand by Me capital campaign, which is raising funds to expand the Maison McCullough Hospice.

“We are hoping to raise more than last year's amount,” Riess said. “We're hoping to get over $66,000.”

Learn more about the event on the Sudbury Dragon Boat Festival's website.


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