By By EMILY DREITZLER / Niles Daily Star
NILES -The Dragon Boat Challenge started as a Chinese tradition more than 2,000 years ago and has once again found its way to the St. Joseph River in Niles.
On Saturday Aug. 6, at 9 a.m., Niles Riverfest will feature the eighth annual Dragon Boat Challenge.
Each boat will consist of 18 paddlers and one drummer. Two teams will speed down the river in each heat competing for the best time. It is required that all participants must be at least 14 years of age.
In the Chinese tradition, many believed that dragon boat racing would ensure prosperous and plentiful crops. The races usually took place during the Summer Solstice when disease and famine were rapidly increasing due to high temperatures and continually inadequate refrigeration and sanitation devices.
Today, dragon boat racing is gaining mass popularity among water lovers in the United States, as well as the rest of the world.
The Niles Dragon Boat Challenge festivities will kick off with the Awakening of the Dragon ceremony on Friday Aug. 5, at 6 p.m.
This Chinese ritual will include dotting the eyes of the dragon's head on each boat and is intended to cleanse and bless the area of the competition, as well as the competitors and their boats.
Immediately following the Awakening of the Dragon ceremony, all participants in the Dragon Boat Challenge will be given the opportunity to practice and test their skills.
Anybody interested in forming their own team for the Dragon Boat Challenge may download an entry form at the official Niles Riverfest website, www.nilesriverfest.org, or contact Lisa Croteau at (269) 687-4332. Individuals interested in participating on a team may inquire at the Dragon Boat Challenge to see if any teams need additional paddlers.
Along with the Dragon Boat Challenge, this years fun-filled Niles Riverfest weekend promises live musical entertainment, the AAA All Car and Truck Show, the Anything that Floats Race, arts and crafts, the Mr. and Ms. Riverfest competition, great food, along with so much more.
The 2005 Niles Riverfest will be held from Thursday, Aug. 4, through Sunday, Aug. 7, in downtown Niles at Riverfront Park, located along the banks of the St. Joseph River.