Onlookers during the 2022 Dragon Boat Festival in Lethbridge, June 26, 2022. The event returns to Henderson Lake Park June 23-25, 2023, and organizers are still looking for volunteers. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Volunteers still needed for annual Dragon Boat Festival in Lethbridge

Jun 21, 2023 | 11:58 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The annual ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival returns to the city this weekend, and organizers are seeking more volunteers.

The event will be at Henderson Lake Park from Friday, June 23 to Sunday, June 25, 2023, celebrating its 21^st anniversary. Don Robb, marketing director for the festival, said the event is expected to bring in over 1,000 participants with over 70 teams registered to race.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival celebrates 20 years

Robb noted the organizing team is still looking for volunteers to ensure the weekend festivities go smoothly. He explained that volunteering opportunities can range from the setting up and taking down of equipment and serving in the beer gardens.

“We need, particularly in the race volunteers, where they’re getting people in and out of the boats, where the races actually are,” Robb remarked.

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Those interested in volunteering can sign up at the festival website.

Robb explained that there are a variety of time slots available, and volunteering hours can range from three to six or seven hours. However, Robb said that can be adjusted to account for a helper’s availability.

“Even if they can’t do, like a full, four or six hours, whatever they can do to help would be much appreciated,” he remarked.

FUN FOR EVERYONE

Robb said in addition the dragon boat races, the weekend at Henderson Lake Park will also feature food and merchandise vendors, beer gardens, and activities for kids, “so it’s a full-fledged festival.”

“The racing is the key but there’s lots of other stuff so there’s something for everybody in the family.”

The weekend will also feature live music and other performances. An opening ceremony will kick off the festivities on Friday at 6:00 p.m., with a closing ceremony tentatively scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

At 12:00 p.m. Saturday, the Rose Ceremony will take place. Women who are breast cancer survivors walk to the peninsula on Henderson Lake. As they walk to the peninsula, they will be given a rose, with rose petals tossed into the lake during a song performed by Alyssa McQuaid and Josh Bourelle. The event honours not only breast cancer survivors, but those who have been lost due to breast cancer.

A full event schedule is available at the festival website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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