Move over monkey, here comes the dragon.
This year marks the Year of the Monkey in the Chinese zodiac, but it's the dragons that are roaring back into the scene right now as plans progress for the 17th annual Sudbury Dragon Boat Festival.
Registration is now open for the July 16 event at
Bell Park. Practices begin June 6 at the new Northern Water Sports Centre in Bell Grove.
Thousands of paddlers have taken to the waters of Ramsey Lake since the festival's inception, with more than $1.5 million raised. Each year, the festival raises money for a local charity. Seven different charities have been named beneficiaries over the years. This year, the Sam Bruno PET Scan fund stands to benefit.
There's six weeks to go before practices start, said Catherine Walton, festival co-ordinator.
“Now it's time for our teams to start filling out registration forms and getting ready for their first practice,” Walton said. “Last year, we had 53 teams. We hope to have between 50 and 60 teams each year. Many of our teams return year after year, with multiple teams from different organizations. It all makes for a great day.”
Visit sudburydragonboats.com, where you can register online, and those interested can donate to their favourite teams.
