In Chinese mythology, the dragon is a symbol of divine power and energy.
The 5,500 participants in this weekend’s Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival will be digging deep to find their own source of power and energy.
The festival kicked off on Friday afternoon and there are many opportunities throughout the weekend for people to enjoy the colourful races on the waters of False Creek.
Best of all? The festival is free.
This year there are a record number of teams — 200 — celebrating the festival’s 30th anniversary.
The races continue Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. on. The finals take place on Sunday, beginning at noon.
The medal ceremonies are at 3 p.m. on June 24 followed by a 6 p.m. concert by The Palomars.
There are perfect vantage points all along the seawall.
When you aren’t cheering on the teams, there are many other ways to enjoy the festival atmosphere. Most events take place in and around Creekside Park.
- Red Truck patio, B.C.’s biggest outdoor patio
- Free entertainment all weekend long at the main stage
- Family Zone where you can hear stories about dragons and myths, watch performances that showcase local culture and enjoy art and craft workshops. Friday until 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Dragon dances from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday featuring the Hon Hsing Athletic Club
- Make your own drum or percussion instrument and then join Organic Music for impromptu jam sessions
- Help paint a giant paint-by-numbers street mural from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free
- Vancouver Whitecaps Interactive Game Zone, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
- Display of the teak boats that Hong Kong sent to Vancouver for Expo 86
The Concord Stage takes on a circus like atmosphere with juggling, acrobatic and fire performances Friday at 7 p.m.; circus show Saturday at 3 p.m.; kite flying and yoyo Saturday at 4 p.m.; and a range of circus events on Sunday every hour on the hour.
