SEATTLE — The Seattle Dragon Boat Festival is set for Saturday, June 14, at South Lake Union Park, promising a vibrant display of culture and competition.
With roots spanning over two thousand years in China, dragon boat racing is both a sport and a celebration of heritage.
The races will take place on the picturesque south end of South Lake Union, offering stunning views of the Seattle skyline and the iconic Space Needle.
Participants will compete in traditional dragon boats, which weigh around 600 pounds and accommodate 22 people — 20 paddlers, a caller who drums in the front, and a tiller who steers from the back.
According to the International Dragon Boat Federation, these boats are typically crafted from teak wood, reflecting an ancient tradition that thrives today.
The design of a dragon boat includes a strikingly ornate dragon head at the prow and a stylized tail at the stern, with vibrant dragon scales painted along the sides.
Michelle Locke, the festival’s land operations director, shares her personal journey into the world of dragon boating, having paddled for 20 to 25 years.
“My friend saw my dragon tattoo and encouraged me to try it out,” said Locke, who quickly became hooked and now represents the Seattle Flying Dragons, a club that welcomes new members.
“Dragon boating is a really great community,” Locke emphasized. “It really is for everybody. We have paddlers with various abilities.”
This inclusivity is a defining characteristic of the sport, as participants range from novices to seasoned paddlers with diverse backgrounds.
Among them are individuals who are deaf or blind, as well as cancer survivors and fighters who join in the festival’s special tribute to those affected by the disease.
“It’s the greatest sport in the world, and there’s no other sport like it,” Koichi Kitazumi, also a member of Seattle Flying Dragons, declared.
Kitazumi, who has been paddling since the festival’s inception in 1996 and now serves as race director, attests to the deeper lessons of collaboration and teamwork that dragon boating fosters.
“Everyone working together transcends the water,” said Kitazumi. “It’s easy to apply those principles in real life, where timing and cooperation towards a common goal really matter.”
The festival’s success relies on the efforts of dedicated volunteers, and the community is encouraged to get involved.
Opening ceremonies on June 14 will commence at 8 a.m., followed by racing from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day’s festivities also include food vendors, live music, performances, and engaging activities for children.
For those interested in joining the Seattle Flying Dragons, additional information is available on the festival website.
Dragon boat racing is imbued with history, dating back to 278 BC, when poet Qu Yuan faced unjust accusations of treason. After being banished, he drowned himself in protest, an event that sparked the tradition of dragon boat racing.
Fishermen raced into the waters to retrieve his body, beating drums and throwing rice dumplings to deter fish, laying the groundwork for a heritage that continues to unite people in celebration and remembrance.
image source from：https://www.king5.com/article/news/community/aapi-heritage/seattle-dragon-boat-festival-celebrates-tradition-culture-community/281-c7e5e402-9adb-4aca-90d1-7aff734df868
