Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Olympia Dragon Boat Club will host for the second straight year the Olympia Dragon Boat Festival at Olympia Port Plaza on Saturday, July 12.
The festival commemorates a well-respected historical figure, Qu Yuan (pronounced Chu Ywan), who lived in China more than 2,000 years ago.
At the time, with widespread corruption within the government of the Kingdom of Chu, Qu Yuan was falsely accused of treason. As a result, he was banished from the kingdom and, perhaps, as a final act of protest against the government he threw himself into the Mi Lo River and drowned.
Fishermen raced their boats — beating drums and throwing rice dumplings into the river — to keep fish from devouring his body. Their actions founded a tradition that continues today.
The event was then and is now today fun-filled and community centered around the history of the sport. Olympia’s Kung-Fu & Tai Chi Club will perform a traditional Lion Dance; local vendors will present unique gifts for sale; and food trucks will provide a variety of foods and drinks. The event is free.
“This is an exciting and engaging event,” began Niki Bilodeau, one of the club’s board members and the chairperson of festival. “Spectators are exposed to dragon boats and to the history and diversity behind this wonderful sport.”
Other board members are William Hannah, Sally Coats, Edward Zarmbinski and Becki Stark.
A dragon boat is long and narrow with a decorative Chinese dragon head, tail and scales printed on the hull. During races, teams of 20 paddlers per boat will stroke together, accompanied by a drum, in an attempt to cover a 250-meter course through speed, rhythm and endurance in the least amount of time.
“There will be four boats per race, and we’ve 30 teams registered to competed,” continued Bilodeau. “The races will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude around 3 p.m.”
In line with the spirit of the festival, the Olympia Dragon Boat Club hopes to grow its membership and welcomes new members of all ages and abilities.
“We’ve got about 30 members or so, and they range from 24 to 74 years old,” explained Bilodeau, “and we most certainly would welcome more.”
People interested in trying the sport are invited to come out to a couple of times to row at no financial obligation to themselves. Personal flotation devices, paddles and boats are provided.
“But our club members are the best,” said Bilodeau with a smile. “You’ll be welcomed by friendly paddlers who will be glad to show you the ropes.”
For more information about the festival and the Olympia Dragon Boat Club, visit olympiadragonboat.org.
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