THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL IN NEW YORK
Saturday August 9 and Sunday August 10 2014
FLUSHING MEADOWS PARK | FREE ADMISSION | RAIN OR SHINE
ABOUT THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL IN NEW YORK
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York is an annual sporting and
multicultural event held in August on Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows
Corona Park in Queens, New York to celebrate the fifth moon (or the fifth
month) of the lunar calendar. In addition to providing audiences with
traditional Chinese foods and performances, the festival hosts over 120
dragon boat teams from across North America, making it one of the largest
dragon boat festivals in the United States. Depending on the competitive
division, teams compete for cash prizes, trophies and other prizes.
The Festival began in 1990 when the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office
in New York City promoted and organized the inaugural Hong Kong Dragon
Boat Festival in New York, which was held on the Hudson River in Battery
Park City. The Festival is now an independent non-profit company organized
under the laws of the State of New York and receives its funding through
sponsorships by various companies. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office
continues to be a substantial supporter of the festival.
In addition to the change in corporate structure, the Festival's fleet
of dragon boats has grown from 4 teak wood dragon boats to over 30 dragon
boats. Many of the boats are made of fiberglass. All the boats are approved
by the International Dragon Boat Federation for international dragon boat racing.
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York features events for the
entire family including the NY Championship Race on Saturday and the US
Dragon Boat Open Championship Race on Sunday, an opening parade, and youth,
women's, sponsors, media, and charity races. Moreover, an impressive
arts and entertainment program will showcase some of the best multicultural
artists in New York, including the Shaolin Temple Warrior Monks demonstrating
Kung Fu, the Drum Spirit of China, and as well as other performers who
will perform traditional music and dance from China, Mexico and Peru.
Booths located around the main stage area will host folk art and craft
demonstrations. And, of course, a food court will serve a culturally diverse
menu. Please refer to our
Events Schedule page for more information.
+ FREE ADMISSION RAIN OR SHINE +