Last Call For Dragon Boat Event Volunteers & Racers

NEW MILFORD — Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) will host its third annual Dragon Boat Races on Saturday, August 20, and there are openings for volunteers, those who want to join a team, and even full teams who still wish to register for the event.

Volunteers are needed for the day of the event, which will be at Lynn Deming Town Park, Candlewood Lake Road North. Openings ceremonies begin at 9, and volunteers can help fill a number of spots. Contact CLA at 860-354-6928 for details. Volunteers will receive an official race T-shirt and lunch ticket.

For those who are new to the sport, CLA can provide everything including the boat, paddles, vests and an hour-long private coached team practice prior to race day to get your team ready for a great day of fun competition. Teams consist of 20 paddlers and one drummer (CLA will provide a professional steersperson for each team) and all teams wishing to compete as official teams must have at least eight female paddlers. 

The team registration cost is $1,575 per team ($75 per person), and a $100 nonrefundable deposit is due with team registration,.

Also, for those who would like to participate in a race but do not have a team, CLA is accepting  requests from single and small groups of paddlers who want to join a team that is looking for a few more paddlers. Contact CLA at the above number for that, as well.

The event’s official website is at CandlewoodLakeDragonBoatRace.shutterfly.com, which includes information on the event as well as links for those who wish to register online.

For spectators, the day offers an opportunity to witness the colorful, exciting spectacle of dragon boat racing while helping CLA raise funds for its continued efforts to protect Candlewood Lake and provide public safety for its users.

The first race will begin immediately after opening ceremonies at 9 and are expected to continue until approximately 3 pm.  As of August 9, there were 15 teams registered for this year’s event.

There will be limited parking for spectators (with regular park fees charged), but a free shuttle will be provided to the race site. Also, there will be a spectator boat area that will run parallel to the race course for anyone who wants to watch the race from their boat.

Refreshments will be available for purchase at the park, provided by New Milford Lions Club. Please note there is no alcohol allowed in the park.