Festival Schedule

Opening Ceremony

Friday, June 21

6 PM at the Stage

This year’s opening ceremony will be M/C’d by Festival Chair, Paul Henderson . The opening ceremony will begin with O Canada, song by Tsuaki Marule’. Rotary District Governor, TBA  and our title sponsor representative, TBA and other local dignitaries will say a few words, and Paul Henderson will share the story of the Dragon Boat Race. The Lion Dance with the blessings of the boats, and then a dignitary paddle.

Rose Ceremony

Saturday, June 22

Noon at the Peninsula

The Rose Ceremony has been a special part of the Dragon Boat Festival. Women who are breast cancer survivors walk to the peninsula on Henderson Lake (by the concession near the Kids Zone and Stage) after the C Cup race. As they walk to the peninsula they are given a rose. The President of ‘Breast of ‘Bridge will say a few words. “The Rose” is sung and rose petals are tossed into the Lake. It is a very touching ceremony. The Rose song will be performed by Sam Lawlor

Closing Ceremony

Sunday, June 23

3:30 PM* at the Stage

The closing ceremonies is an opportunity to celebrate the weekend.  Paul Henderson will M/C the ceremony and our title sponsor, ATB Financial Representative, TBA  will share a message with attendees. The race awards will be handed out and the torch will be passed to the next Festival Chair, TBA ,  The Lion is put to sleep and the Festival is brought to a close.

*Time dependent on races finishing