Watch Dragon Boats Race Along the Tennessee River!

Lillie Beth Warner • May 10, 2023

The Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation's Dragon Boat Race & Festival Returns for its 11th year on May 13th, 2023! Which team will take home the trophy?

The Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation's Dragon Boat Race & Festival is an exciting event that brings together people from all over the community to support a great cause. This annual event is held on the beautiful Tennessee River in Decatur, Alabama, and has become a popular tradition for so many over the years. The Dragon Boat Race & Festival will return for its 11th year at Point Mallard Water Park on May 13th!


The Dragon Boat Race & Festival brings together teams from local businesses, schools, and community organizations who compete for the coveted Dragon Boat Trophy. In addition to the races, there are also food vendors, live music, and a variety of other family-friendly activities.


One of the best things about the Dragon Boat Race & Festival is that they are inclusive and accessible to everyone. You don't need to be an experienced paddler to participate.. All you need is a team of 20 people who are willing to work together and have fun.


The heart of the event is the racing itself. Teams train for weeks in advance, honing their skills and perfecting their technique to ensure they're in top shape for race day. The races are fast-paced and exciting, with teams paddling furiously to outpace their rivals and cross the finish line first.

The Dragon Boat Races are a unique and thrilling competition where teams of 20 paddlers, one drummer, and one steerer race their boats to the finish line. The boats used in the races are long and narrow, with a dragon head and tail attached to the bow and stern. The teams paddle in unison, with the drummer setting the pace and the steerer directing the boat.


The event is not only a fun day out for participants and spectators, but it is also an important fundraiser for the Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports Decatur Morgan Hospital and its efforts to provide high-quality healthcare to the local community.


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