There will be a spectacular sight
off of Sombrero Beach in Marathon
come Saturday, May 16th.
If you don’t know about it yet, now is a great time to learn about and plan to
join the hundreds of spectators cheering on teams of Dragon Boat racers in this year’s Battle in the Bay Dragon Boat Festival.
You will get a close up view of the boats right on the beach before they launch
into the bay and take on a 400 meter
course which runs parallel to the beach. The annual race is held to help
raise funds for Heron Peacock Supported
Living, a local organization which provides services and support for low
income residents with mental illness.
Each Dragon Boat team consists of 20 members all paddling in unison to
the beat of a drum. This modern tradition of Dragon Boat racing comes from a
legend out of the fourth century BC
China. In efforts to save the poet Qu Yuan from the Mi Lo River, fishermen
were said to beat drums and splash the water with their paddles so as to save
the poet from the creatures of the deep. Dragons themselves are creatures of
strength and represent spring growth in Chinese culture. Bringing the drum and
the boat together with teams racing is a great way to celebrate the spring and
strength of the dragon. The teams can be all
men, all women, or a combination of both. Many are supported by area businesses,
communities, and recreational clubs. There are youth and senior teams as well as breast cancer survivor teams. No matter how the team comes
together, each member is a vital part of a rowing machine with the will to win
the race.
There will be three races for each boat to take on during the festival, so plenty
of chances to see the dragon boats in action for spectators. It would not be a
festival without other fun activities, so you can be assured there will be
something for everyone at the Battle in the Bay Dragon Boat Festival. There
will be kids’ activities, live music, and
food and drinks on hand. Vendors will also be at the festival, and you can
even join in some beach volleyball. All shore side activities are free to enjoy
during the festival, so bring your beach blanket and plan for a day of fun on
Marathon at Sombrero Beach. Racing begins as early as 8:30 am and ends around 2:00
pm. After the races, there will be an awards ceremony and celebration on
the beach.
If you are in
the market for a new home and a better place to live, and are looking
at the Key West area, my team and I are here to help you with strength and
support in finding the home of your dreams. Please contact me, Jimmy Lane, for all of your realestate
needs.
Labels: Battle in the Bay Dragon Boat Festival, jimmy lane, Marathon, Sombrero Beach
