Paddle for a Good Cause at the Dragon Boat Race and Festival, Aug. 17—Register Your Team Now

Paddle for a Good Cause at the Dragon Boat Race and Festival, Aug. 17—Register Your Team Now

Enthusiasm is high as Birmingham gears up for the fourth annual Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race and Festival presented by the Medical Properties Trust. The event, scheduled for Saturday, August 17, aims to support children and families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities and takes place at the city’s captivating East Lake Park. Alongside thrilling boat races, festival goers can enjoy a medley of family-friendly activities and a Bloody Mary Contest.

About The Event

Mitchell’s Place is known for its inclusive accredited preschool and outpatient clinic, working with the intent to improve the lives of children with autism and their families. The organization offers a wide array of services from Applied Behavioral Analysis, Early Learning Preschool, Feeding Therapy to Speech Therapy and more. The proceeds from the Dragon Boat Race and Festival will go directly toward supporting these significant services and programs provided by Mitchell’s Place.

The Dragon Boat Race

What’s a dragon boat, you ask? As the name implies, it’s a boat designed to resemble a dragon that is used for racing. These 46-feet long vessels, adorned with vibrant scales, a dragon head, and tail, make for an exciting sight to behold. Each team participating in the race is made up of 20 paddlers along with a costumed drummer. The drummer leads the crew to the finish line using rhythmic drum beats to guide the speed and synchronicity of the paddlers’ strokes. Participating teams can look forward to fierce competition from community organizations like Brasfield & Gorrie, Levite Jewish Community Center, SouthState Bank, Strong Automotive, UAB, and more.

How to Participate

Anyone can sponsor a team or sign up for the event. Co-workers, friends, spouses, church members, civic leaders, customers, neighbors, and others are encouraged to set up their teams and join the fun. Each team must consist of 20 paddlers—a minimum of 8 females—and a drummer. All necessary gear, including a dragon boat and instruction, are provided by the Dynamic Dragon Boat Racing organization.

Festival Activities For All

Whether you’re competing in the Dragon Boat Race or cheering from the sidelines, the festival offers a wide range of activities. Attendees 21 and above can participate in the Bloody Mary Contest sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Meanwhile, a Drummer Parade will showcase the Dragon Boat Race participants in a thrilling spectacle.

A dedicated Kids’ Zone features sensory-friendly activities including arts and crafts and carnival games. For those looking to satisfy their cravings, local food trucks such as Black Top Bistro, Cheezin’, and Urban Pops will be available. The event also hosts a Merchant Marketplace displaying a variety of products from local vendors like Big Daddy’s Sauces, Magpie Art, and Reagan Beer Bar.

To join in the fun and support a good cause, attend the Dragon Boat Race and Festival on August 17 at East Lake Park, Birmingham. Admission is free, and to participate in the race—register your team now.