(Mission Dragon Boat)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

hope to become an annual fixture

Sylvan Lake to host inaugural dragon boat festival Feb. 10-12

Jan 5, 2023 | 3:17 PM

Sylvan Lake will host its first annual Ice Dragon Boat Festival in a few weeks.

The racing will be competitive, but is open to anyone and everyone who wants to give it a try, explains Monique Pummings, the Town’s director for recreation, culture, tourism and economic development.

“Prior to COVID, we were looking at this, but we then weren’t able to do it because of the pandemic,” she says. “It looks cool, it’s something different and unique, and we want to experience it here in Sylvan Lake.”

To her knowledge, only Ottawa, Montreal and Thunder Bay host similar events.

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The festival is hosted by the Town, in partnership with Mission Dragon Boat, who will provide the boats, timing equipment and other expertise. Some water teams will be joining, but again it is for all skill levels.

Teams consist of eight to ten people, though you can register as an individual and organizers will find a team for you.

“It doesn’t take too much skill to partake. On the Friday night, we’ll have some practice slots for teams, and if you don’t have a coach, we’ll provide one to you,” Pummings explains. “Mission provides the boats and paddles, which are like a pick, and otherwise you just need to dress appropriately and have fun.

(Mission Dragon Boat)

The festival runs Feb. 10-12 with a women’s division and mixed division. You must be 13 or older to register.

“I’m hoping people really get behind this event; residents and visitors alike, and that we can show how awesome Sylvan Lake is in the winter.”

Along with the dragon boating, there will also be the Town’s usual ice slide, as well as ice skating on the lake, and a large warming tent with live entertainment. Pummings is also working with restaurants along the lake to provide additional festival-related opportunities for attendees.

There will also be prizes, including medals and a trophy.

To register, head to visitsylvanlake.ca/icedragonboats, and click on the division you wish to register for. Registration ends Feb. 3 at 11:30 p.m.