Also taking place during Labor Day weekend is the Capital City Dragon Boat Race, a 2,000-year-old Chinese sport. It is the fastest growing water sport in North America, and an exciting team-building paddle sport. Join in the fun Saturday, September 1st at dusk (around 8 p.m.) on the river in Adado Riverfront Park for the traditional “Awakening the Dragons” ceremony. On Sunday morning (beginning at 8:30 a.m.), hundreds of athletes will converge on the east banks of the Grand River to compete in the 40-foot dragon boats, racing to see which teams can “capture the flag” first!

The Capital City Dragon Boat Race is a unique and exciting event organized by community members and supported by:

with additional support provided by Mid-MEAC. Proceeds from this year’s race will be donated to Team Lansing Foundation to help increase access and usability along the riverfront that stretches from Michigan Avenue to Saginaw Street.

The 300-meter race will start near the Lansing City Market, race under the Shiawassee St. Bridge, and finish between East and West Adado Parks. Dragon boats, paddles, life jackets, and helms will be provided for the 36 teams of 20-25 paddlers as they work their way through the divisional tournament brackets, racing in multiple heats. Spectators are invited to watch from the East and West banks of the Grand River, or from the Shiawassee St. Bridge. Everyone is also encouraged to wander the Athletes Village to vote on the best Team Theme Award (with proceeds going to Mid-MEAC), and to participate in the many family-friendly Asian cultural activities taking place in East Adado Riverfront Park. Please join in the fun by forming a team, offering sponsorship support, volunteering, or cheering as a spectator! Check out the website at www.CapitalCityDragonBoat.com for more details.

Note: The Capital City Dragon Boat Race, which runs from the City Market to East Adado Riverfront Park (the opposite side of the river from Michigan Mosaic Music Festival) will be practicing on Saturday, with the races occurring on Sunday, September 2, from 8:30 am to about 5 pm. Here is a link to their schedule of events.