CORNWALL, Ontario – Cornwall’s eighth annual Waterfest Dragon Boat Race was a sunny success this Saturday, Aug. 12 at Lock 19.
Despite Mother Nature’s earlier threats of rain, committee member, Johanna Murray says she was thrilled the weather cooperated for the event.
“It was such a relief because it rained last year,” said Murray. “It was a beautiful day with great participation.”
With eight teams competing in a challenge of strength and coordination, teams had to work together in order to be successful.
“Those paddles have to come in at the same time – you’ve got 10 people on each side of a small, narrow boat who are working together in sync,” said Murray. “Once one goes out of whack, so do all the others.”
Murray has been involved with Waterfest since its inception, and says that she’s proud to be part of a festival that makes use of the canal.
“We’re the only festival that uses the canal,” said Murray. “That means a lot to me and everyone else on the committee.”
In addition to the races, patrons also had the opportunity to enjoy some homegrown talent on the main stage, as well as take part in the event’s silent auction. The event also featured a tug-of-oars competition – similar to a tug-of-war, and just as fun.
While the money raised has not yet been tallied, Murray says that the event was an incredible success.
“Everyone was very pleased with the turnout,” said Murray. “It was a nice, steady flow in a little bit more of an intimate setting.”
