11th Annual Philadelphia International Boat Festival, Watch the Boat Race Along the Schuylkill River on Oct 6!

The Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival is the largest of its kind in the United States. Catch the action along the Schuylkill River on Saturday, October 6 starting at 8 a.m. Celebrating its 11th year, the Festival builds teamwork, spirit and pride. This year a number of teams will take part in the race to raise funds for cancer research at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Last year's event created a flood of enthusiasm and support by raising more than $132,000 for cancer research!

Dragon boats are the world's largest flat water racing canoes, propelled by a crew of 20 paddlers, plus a drummer and steersperson. The paddlers move in unison, combining strength with teamwork in a dragon boat adorned with an elaborate design that originates in ancient China. Synchronicity is more important than strength. A perfectly synchronized team will almost always beat a stronger, less coordinated team.

More than 150 teams race fiberglass dragon boats, complete with heads and tails, on a 500-meter course on the Schuylkill River during the Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival. The annual fall event draws thousands of participants and spectators. 

Dragon Boat teams from corporations, community organizations, and schools will take part in this year's Philadelphia event. Visit the Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival website for more information on how to create a team, accommodations, directions and general information about the event.

Like the Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to stay updated!

Have any questions? Contact Carol Lee Lindner at (610) 642-2333 or email [email protected].