Philadelphia International Dragonboat Festival

Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival

2012

Team captain shows her enthusiasm on her way to the gates to wait for her team’s turn to race on the Schuylkill River.

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Halloween started early at the Schuylkill River on Saturday, Oct. 6 when 150 teams, many in costume, gathered to compete in the races of the Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival. Tents lined the riverbanks as team members and spectators alike celebrated with cookouts and alcohol, awaiting each race. Thousands were already out by the first race at 8:30 am. Most teams dressed up in costume adhering to some sort of theme, there were witches, pirates, Vikings, royalty and even a team of Ronald McDonalds.

The races are not all fun and games, however. There are certain rules and parameters. For example, there must be a maximum of 20 rowers with a minimum of 8 female rowers. Each team must have a drummer, steersperson and launch driver. The drummer sits at the front of the boat on a wooden seat raised above the rest of his team. He or she creates a beat on the drum to set the rhythm of the strokes so that all the paddlers are in time with each other for more efficient rowing. The drummer can be very valuable because they set the tone of the race and can encourage and motivate the rest of the team.The steersperson stands at the back of the boat and steers the crew with a long oar. Although there is a team captain, the steersperson is essentially the dragon boat captain who makes ultimate decisions while on the water. He or she can consult with the drummer and the team captain, but his or her decision on the water is the final say. Lastly, the launch driver is responsible for the overall safety of the crew. This person needs to be 18 years or older and in decent physical condition.

Decorative Dragonboats a closer look at the crazy costumes at the Dragonboat races

(Above) Ronald McDonald waits patiently with his McDonald’s team for their turn to row during the 2012 Dragonboat Races in Fairmount Park. While below, a team captain steers her team towards the starting point, clad in a bright purple morph suit, with a matching rainbow neon tutu and wig. Many team captains at the races dressed up in one way or another, whether it be a crazy hat or a full on costume like the one pictured.

4Story, photos, and design by Charlotte Jacobson and Nickee Plaksen

Here come the witches...

One of the more noticeable teams of people at the Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival were the Witches of East Greenwich. Their group was so large that they filled six full boats- and had an entire race to themselves. Every team member was wearing the green and black striped socks or leggings, and some team leaders dressed entirely in witches costuming.

Decorative Dragonboatsa closer look at the colorful costumes at the Dragonboat races

Along with the races, there are other minor activities that are included in the festivities. There is a team shirt contest that the teams could chose to enter in, where a committee of judges decides whose team t-shirts are the best. Each team also has a banner that is supposed to promote the team name. These banners were held at the finish line in support of each team.

Not only did the teams wear matching shirts to demonstrate spirit and enthusiasm for their team, but also many drummers and team captains dressed in full costumes for the races. Funny hats and brightly colored wigs could be seen weaving through the rainbow sea of T-shirts all the way down the path to the prep gate. After asking a passing Viking why he decided to dress up, his only reply was, “Why not?”