Broadford Lake will come alive with the sounds of plunging paddles on Saturday, August 22, for the Fifth Annual Mountain Maryland Dragon Boat Festival. Dove Center will be partnering with Dynamic Dragon Boat Racing from Tennessee to hold this exciting event. Proceeds will benefit the Dove Center in providing services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related crimes.
Dragon boats of 46 feet long, holding teams of 20 paddlers, plus a drummer and a steerer, will race a course of approximately 200 meters, in heats of up to 3 boats. A new addition to this year’s race is the option of 10-person boats. Times from the first two heats will be averaged to determine which teams move on to the championship race. Individuals of any skill and experience level are encouraged to participate, and community members, agencies and businesses are invited to put together their own teams.
Teams will have the opportunity to practice together with the guidance of professionals, the week before the event, at a designated time. Registration will be $1,300 for 20-person boats and $1,000 for 20-person boats. However, teams are challenged to raise $2,000, either by dividing the registration among the team members or securing sponsorships. Prizes will be awarded for the winning team and the highest money-raising team. The event creates an invigorating opportunity for friendly competition, community spirit and connection, while utilizing one of Garrett County’s beautiful outdoor resources.
In addition to spectating, the community is invited to browse craft and food vendors and enjoy free games for children and families. Admission to the event will be $5 per car. The Opening Ceremony starts at 9 am.
Sponsorship opportunities are available: Super Sponsors ($5,000 for this event as well as the Festival of Trees) receive naming rights as event sponsor on all media, race day banner and promotional items, one dragon boat, recognized in local advertising and social media, 30-second promotional profile read on race day, named a minimum of 6 times on race day by event emcee, preferred practice time for team, and reserved 10 x 10 space for waterfront tent. Gold Medal Sponsors ($3,000) receive naming rights as event sponsor on all media, race day banner and promotional items, one dragon boat, recognized on social media, 20-second promotional profile read on race day, named a minimum of 3 times on race day by event emcee, preferred practice time for team, and reserved 10 x 10 space for waterfront tent. Silver Medal Sponsors ($1,000) will be recognized on social media, named on race day by the event emcee, and listed on race day signage. In-kind sponsorships are available for the following services: meals for Dynamic Dragon Boat Staff for the week, and gift certificates for giveaways and prizes.
Craft vendor spaces will be 10 x 10 and $25 per space. They will be without electricity, and the vendor is asked to bring a tent, tables, and chairs. Food vendor spaces are also available for $50 per space. Team registration deadline is August 8. Registration must be completed online (using a credit card or commitment to mail in a check) at https://dovecenter.betterworld.org/events/5th-annual-mountain-maryland-dra.
Sponsorships may also be paid through this link, or by mailing a check to 882 Memorial Drive, Oakland, MD 21550.
To become an event sponsor or craft vendor, contact Heather Hanline at 301-334-6255 or dovecenter@gcdovecenter.org. For event announcements and updates, follow Mountain Maryland Dragon Boat Festival on Facebook.