THE RACE IS ON!
LAKE GREGORY – Seeing a dragon boat out on the waters in San Bernardino County is an unusual site, but add to that the sounds of synchronized rowing, beating of drums and cheers from the crowd and you realize you have found yourself at Lake Gregory Regional Park Dragon Boat Races. This annual event happens in the charming mountain village of Crestline and takes place again on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What started out as an enhanced weekend with two borrowed boats and a handful of park visitors who became our first “teams”, has grown into a two-day event with ownership of six boats and nearly 400 competitors. This year will again be a two-day event with novice and community teams on Saturday and professional/club teams on Sunday.
Dragon boat racing began in ancient China more than 2,500 years ago to celebrate the summer harvest. The elongated boats seat 12 to 20 people and have decorative heads, tails and painted scales on them. This annual event produces more than just winners of a competition. Participants develop new skills in paddling, timing and most importantly, learning to work together. , Participants meet new people and have fun. So even if you are not interested in participating in the competition you can bring the family out to observe the excitement, enjoy a picnic or try out our waterslides.
Pre-registration is recommended as there are a limited number of spots and they fill up fast. Teams will consist of twelve paddlers. Experience isn’t necessary. The entry fee is $10 per person and you must be at least eight years old to participate. T-shirts commemorating this event will be on sale for $12. So pack up the family for a good day of fun! For more information, visit www.lgdragonboats.org or call 909-387-2461.
San Bernardino County operates nine regional parks: Cucamonga-Guasti, Ontario; Prado, Chino; Glen Helen, San Bernardino; Yucaipa; Lake Gregory, Crestline; Mojave Narrows, Victorville; Moabi, Needles ; Mojave River Forks, Hesperia; Calico Ghost Town, Yermo