Ft Wayne Times

The Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races will return to Promenade Park on August 2 and 3, offering a blend of traditional culture and competitive spirit. The event begins on Friday at 5:00 p.m. with family-friendly activities, including dance and drum performances by the Chinese Friends & Family Association, calligraphy, photo booths, temporary tattoos, and ping pong. Refreshments will be available for purchase from Teds snack+bar and various food trucks.

At 7:00 p.m., local musician Austin Bridges will perform in the Sweetwater Band Shell. The Opening Ceremony starts at 8:30 p.m., featuring a welcome from Riverfront Manager Riley Hollenbaugh and performances by the Fort Wayne Chinese Friends & Family Association in the Old National Bank Plaza. Fire Dancers and Floating Fire Pits will follow at 9:30 p.m. on the St. Marys River.

Saturday's events include the Dotting of the Eyes Ceremony with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel at 9:30 a.m., followed by dragon boat races on the St. Marys River. Last year's Gold Champions were Steel Dynamics Inc. #1 team with a time of 01:11.393, followed by Silver winners Chinese Friends & Family (01:11.639) and Bronze winners Don Hall’s Buster Battalions (01:11.879). Additional activities for children are scheduled from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., including crafting dragon masks and learning origami.

Final heats begin at 3:00 p.m., with an awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in the Sweetwater Band Shell. Kulture City Sensory Bags will be available while supplies last.

Note that due to the races, Sweet Breeze Canal Boat tours on Saturday, August 3, will shift to evening times beginning at 5:00 p.m. Regular afternoon hours resume on Sunday, August 4.

Food options include Chau Time, Carmelita’s, Polski BBQ food trucks on Friday; Travelin’ Toms Coffee Truck starting at 9:00 a.m., Carmelita’s, Kain Na, Polski BBQ starting at 10:00 a.m., Kung Fu Tea in the pavilion, and Teds snack+bar both days.