The Dragon Boat Race Committee. (Image courtesy of CHQ Lake Dragon Race Facebook page)

CELORON – A group of area resident and local organizations that use and/or have concern for Chautauqua Lake and the Chadokoin River will be working together during the next several months to create the first Dragon Boat Festival in Chautauqua County.

An announcement was made on Tuesday in Celoron, with organizers saying the first festival will take place August 29, 2015 on Chautauqua Lake.

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The Chautauqua Lake Dragon Boat Committee has made it their mission to raise funds for a healthier Chautauqua Lake by bringing economic impact to the community through a vibrant and unique event.

Organizers say the event will bring together community spirit, athleticism, team work and fortitude; all of which are needed to sustain the future of Chautauqua Lake.

Dragon Boat racing involves teams competing with a standard size dragon boat – which seats 20 paddlers in 10 rows with a steersperson standing in the stern to guide the boat, and a drummer in the bow to motivate the team to keep the paddlers in synch.

These 22 people all work in unison to propel this 42’ long “canoe” down the race course.

The committee is inviting residents and visitors to sign up and take part in the event. For more information contact Amber Grekalski at (716) 661-3390.