Click here to subscribe today or Login.
KINGSTON — The Susquehanna River came alive with sounds and sights of dragon boat racing on Sunday afternoon, as teams from all over the area and beyond came to Nesbitt Park to race and enjoy a day in the sun.
The races were a part of Riverfest, a celebration of the Susquehanna River and the surrounding environment.
“Riverfest has been going on for about 30 years,” said John Maday, the event’s chief organizer. “Our mission is environmental education, awareness, stewardship, advocacy and recreation.”
The event has become famous for its dragon boat racing, an event that was originally supposed to be held back in June, but was pushed to this weekend due to uncooperative river conditions.
“If the river’s at an unsafe level, if it’s moving too fast, we can’t put boats on the water. That’s why we had to reschedule to this weekend,” Maday said.
This year marks the ninth year that dragon boat racing has been a part of Riverfest, and 15 teams entered the competition hoping to have their hands raised in victory.
The boats are roughly 40 feet long, weigh 700 pounds and are rowed by a team of anywhere from 16-21 people. You could hear the shouts and screams of the rowers as they struggled to keep in rhythm and get the boat going to where it needed to be. It was no picnic, that’s for sure.
“Once you’re in a rhythm, it’s not that bad … there’s a technique to it. You have to match the paddle of the person in front of you,” said Rachel Leandri, one of the members of the Downtown Arts team. “You’re going to hit paddles if you’re not compatible.”
The event was won by a team from Wilkes University, who breezed through the first heat with the fastest time before edging out Family Services Association in the final to take the win.
The secret to Wilkes’ success? Their very own Elvis impersonator at the helm.
“Yeah, it was either Hawaiian Jack Sparrow or Elvis, and Elvis won the vote,” said the man behind the sequined jumpsuit and slicked-back hairdo.
Live entertainment was provided by Don Shappelle and the Pick-Ups.
