Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival

#WelcomeBackLetsPaddle will be one of the hashtags used this year as Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival prepares to #GetbackintheBoat after two long years.

NO, this is not an April fool’s joke.  Registration will open on April 1^st at 12:01am for the 21st edition of the annual Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival

“We’ve had several inquiries, and we are beyond excited to announce that the Festival will return as an in-person event this coming June 11^th, at Del Crary Park, welcoming new and returning teams as they once again race it out on Little Lake” said Michelle Thornton, Festival Chair.  “We are committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees and we have been working hard to update our safety protocols to incorporate Provincial and Local Public Health guidelines and recommendations” Thornton added.  “Our event is a vital fundraiser for the PRHC Foundation supporting cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment at our local hospital.  Many of our participants and supporters have loved ones who are undergoing active cancer treatments which make them immunocompromised” Thornton continued.  “Although not mandated, enhanced protocols such as masking in crowded areas may still apply in order to help keep our most vulnerable citizens safe”.

Festival host Survivors Abreast Team President Marg Walsh said they are proud of the outstanding impact Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival has had since its inception in 2001.  “The last few years have been quite challenging for our team” said Walsh, “but we are resilient and have managed to keep the team active and the Festival alive.  We are inspired by the enthusiasm the community has already shown and can’t wait to once again welcome everyone to such a worthy and important fundraising event as we continue to work hard to ensure everyone from across our region has access to world-class breast cancer care.”

After being cancelled in 2020, the Festival went virtual last year and raised over $95,000, bringing their 20 year fundraising total to over $3.7 million dollars.

Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO says she’s incredibly grateful to all the participants, sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped Festival thrive in its virtual form over the past two years. “It was absolutely awe-inspiring to see organizers and supporters keep this incredible event going in such fun and creative ways, while continuing their generous support of world-class regional cancer care, close to home,” said Heighway. “Thank you!”

Heighway says that the PRHC Foundation team can’t wait to safely join the community back on the water in June, especially as the cause has never been more important. “The number of patients from Peterborough and the surrounding area who rely on PRHC for cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment continues to climb,” she added. “Proceeds of the 2022 Festival will allow Peterborough Regional Health Centre to invest in new state-of-the-art equipment and technology to serve more cancer patients, support earlier cancer diagnosis, and provide safer, more effective treatments.”

Organizers are also thrilled to announce that Kawartha Credit Union will continue to be the Event’s presenting sponsor, marking their 21^st year!

“At Kawartha Credit Union, “care for others” is one of our core values and we are passionate about contributing to the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Norah McCarthy, Kawartha’s President & CEO. “Being the Platinum Sponsor of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival allows us to provide financial support while also participating in a fun event that unites Peterborough and our surrounding areas in a common goal to improve local health care resources.”

Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy many of the same features that were introduced prior to the pandemic as well as a few new ones including:

• A new FundRacing division for those teams or individuals who are not able to participate in person but still want to support the festival and make use of the fundraising tools available to those who register. (Prizes are also up for grabs for top fundraisers in this division)
• The One Stop Dragon Boat Shop will be available online leading up to race day and in person on race day
• The Family Fun Zone offering activities and crafts to keep all entertained
• The Dragon’s Lair, Loft & Nest – a luxurious tent experience and added perks for the top three fundraising teams
• The Vendor Village Market – with over 40 vendors brought to us from Modern Makers Market including food vendors
• The Thirsty Dragon – Beer Garden
• The Flower ceremony which will be open to the community at large to honour their loved ones.

Covid-19 protocols will be in place, so please check the website for the most current details.

Registration for the 2022 Festival is available on April 1^st at www.ptbodragonboat.ca.

The first 3 teams to register will win a free extra practice in a dragon boat on Little Lake.

Participants and supporters are encouraged to engage with the Festival on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the handle @ptbodragonboat

For more information, please contact:

Michelle Thornton, Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival Chair, (705) 705-930-7635 or ptbodragonboatfestival@gmail.com