FESTIVAL
From Heiko Behn, Chair - Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival Society
With heavy hearts, but with clear minds, the decision has been made to cancel our festival this year.
The well-being of our dragon boat community is of primary importance to us. We believe that the outbreak will not be contained in time for our festival this year, July 10 to 12, 2020. We also recognize that social distancing will be impossible to achieve at our event. We hope the cancellation will allow all paddlers to focus on being kind to others, maintaining a healthy lifestyle in accordance with directives, and reducing the impact of the economic downturn.
We look forward to a successful Festival with the same theme - Dragons Of The World - next year, July 9, 10,11 2021.
Best wishes to all and thank you for your understanding and your support.
VOLUNTEER
See you in 2021!
Heiko Behn Chair - Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival Society
It takes 1000's of volunteer hours to put on a successful, safe and organized dragon boat festival, and our volunteers are invaluable.
Have a look at the various volunteer jobs available and pick your favourite role. Go to the online volunteer registration May 2020 and join the fun.
Our paddlers love their volunteers. As longtime volunteer Frances puts it,“I was hooked when, years ago, I attended the Dragon Boat Festival as a spectator. The atmosphere was phenomenal”. She continues to volunteer each year.
NO PARKING ON SITE except for limited handicap parking. Click here for Nanaimo parking details! If in doubt, pay for parking. It is cheaper than a ticket.
PADDLERS
See you in 2021!
Heiko Behn Chair - Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival Society
Paddlers prepare yourself! While we know you come together to honour those who have won and lost their battle with breast cancer, fierce competition is also expected. If you can only attend one festival this summer, the Save on Foods Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival is the one. Team Managers register here!
Guts and Glory 2020: The 1,500 M, 8 dragon boats, 15 second intervals, 5 turns race will close the Festival's racing program Saturday and Sunday. 2019 Guts and Glory video here.
Each year we pick a theme for the tent decorating and team costume contests ... join in the fun! Win prizes!
Garden Gate Holistics' “Wellness Tent” will be in the Paddlers Village providing chair massage by donation! Paddlers ... take a break to relax between races.