Date Of Event: June 11, 2017 (annually every second Sunday of June)

Location: Charles River, Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA

Cost: Free

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: Dragon boat races, Asian art/music, food trucks, cultural events

Website: Boston Dragon Boat Festival

Thousands of people converged on the Charles River last weekend to celebrate the 38th annual Dragon boats festival.  Over 30 teams raced 39 foot Hong Kong along a 500 meter course (CYPN Storm won  the Club Challenge, “A” Division).

 

 

 

 

These rowers were getting amped up for their next race.

 

 

 

 

While these rowers stretched for their next event.

 

 

 

 

This rower had just finished a successful race.  The writing on his paddle translates to “Dragon Block.”

 

 

 

 

Kayakers also like to utilize the Charles for their own recreation and, for the most part, they were able to paddle around without interfering with the racers.

 

 

 

 

But, there weren’t just boats and kayaks at the event.

There were also cultural events.

 

 

 

 

Martial arts demonstrations

 

 

 

 

The grace and beauty of the participants were matched by the grace and beauty of the Charles River and Cambridge in the background.  And there is lots of beauty along the Charles.

 

 

 

 

This spectator got a chance to try out a seat on a dragon boat.  I think she liked it.

There were also a variety of musical and artistic performers.

 

 

 

 

Memorial Drive, where the event was located, is always closed part of the day on Sundays from April until November so that joggers, cyclists dog walkers and anyone else can move freely on the roadway without worrying about traffic.  This road closure made it easy for for trucks to do business.  There were dozens of food trucks and vendors stationed along the road.

Dogs are also welcome at the event.

Riley showed up with his ball.

 

 

 

 

Pitko, a Finnish name pronounced “Pete-co”, had a fun time at the festival.

 

 

 

 

Guy was all smiles as he watched the festivities.

 

 

 

 

“Princess”, a Himalayan cat, wasn’t afraid to show up at the race even if there dogs there.

 

 

 

 

Below are some videos of the race and cultural performers.

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