Photos of the 2005, 2006 & 2007 Washington DC Dragon Boat Festivals at Thompsons Boat House.
2008 Festival Photos (a)2007 Festival Photos (a)2006 Festival Photos (a)2005 Festival Photos (a)Photos of the 2007 Colorado Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan's Lake.
2007 Festival Photos (a)Contact us if you have good photos of Dragon Boat festivals.
2008 Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival: Festival, VIPs and Events
Whi,le the Dragon Boat Races are, of course, the main event there was plenty for the ardent fan or even the casual passerby. Throughout the day there were various events, and particularly at noon of the first day, the official ceremonial opening (well after the start of racing), with eye dotting, lion and dragon dance, welcoming statements by dignitaries, and lots of work by many dedicated volunteers.
The boat loading area seen from further up the waterfront, with the Watergate Building in the background. You can see the festival flags and the team tent area and where most of the race watchers were, visible in the blue tents. From this area also the announcer gave a real time account of the progress of the races.
The Festival is highly interesting to residents. Dragon Boat News staff met this couple who said they always come down when they see the Dragon Boat races from their Watergate condominium balcony. "We have come three times and you know, after this festival, the parks are really cleaned up, not like other event!"
Lion Dancers, dragon dancers, and drum and cymbal rhythms were performed by the Jow Ga Shaolin Institute at the Festival opening ceremony for the 2008 Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival, unfortunately postponed because of unsafe river conditions earlier.
Charlotte Shen, Jaqueline Yang and Bonnie Johnson were together at the press information tent just prior to the noon kickoff in festivities.
Many of the young festival volunteers were also paddlers in their team boats. Here are some of the volunteers who helped with the dignitaries and ribbon cutting ceremony. Everyone had a great time!
Look at Bonnie Johnson, doesn't she look great! She explained that she was wearing a traditional costume from an aboriginal people native to Taiwan. The red looks great on you! Bonnie Johnson works on the staff of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.
Ambassador Jaushieh Joseph Wu of Taiwan spoke for a few moments. He expressed the delight of Taiwan to support the overseas Chinese community and would continue to support it for many years. He rowed in a boat!
Vincent Gray and Jack Evans address the DC Festival attendees.
Ambassador Wu cuts the ceremonial ribbon with the other digitaries.
Before the eye dotting ceremony 2008 DC festival
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First Page of Photos: Teams and Teammates
Second Page of Photos: Races
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