Paddle for a good cause at the Dragon Boat Race and Festival, Aug. 17—register your team now

Sponsored

The 4th annual Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race and Festival presented by Medical Properties Trust returns for another amazing year on Saturday, August 17 at East Lake Park in Birmingham.

From action-packed boat races and family-friendly activities to a Bloody Mary Contest, here’s what you can expect at this must-attend event. Plus, how you can register a team and take part in the race.

Dragon Boat Race + Festival details

• When: Saturday, August 17 | 8AM-3PM
• Where: East Lake Park, 8101 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35206
• Cost: Free admission
• Register your team + participate in the Dragon Boat Race

About the event

Mitchell’s Place is an inclusive accredited preschool and outpatient clinic specializing in improving the lives of children and their families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. 

Some services they offer, include:

• Applied behavioral analysis
• Early learning preschool
• Feeding Therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Marriage + Family Therapy
• Speech therapy

All proceeds raised during the Dragon Boat Race and Festival directly benefit the important services and programs Mitchell’s Place offers.

“Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race and Festival is an event the Junior Board looks forward to each year!

I have loved participating in this event. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a friendly competition, fun activities and Bloody Marys to help such an amazing cause?”

Blakely Clemmons, Junior Board Member, Mitchell’s Place

What’s a dragon boat + how can you join the race?

Wondering what a dragon boat is? It’s pretty much what their name suggests—a boat that resembles a dragon and is used for racing.

Here are some cool things to know:

• They are 46-feet long.
• Each dragon boat has colorful scales, with a dragon head + tail. 
• Teams are made up of 20 paddlers + one costumed drummer. 

What’s the purpose of a drummer?

Each team’s drummer helps lead their crew of paddlers to the finish line using rhythmic drum beats that indicate the speed and synchronicity of the paddlers’ strokes.

As with most costumes, the drummers wear them just for fun. 

How to participate

Ready to unleash your competitive side while supporting Mitchell’s Place?

Anyone can sponsor a team and sign up, so ask your co-workers, friends, spouses, church members, civic leaders, customers, neighbors and others to join the fun.

Your team will compete against others in the community like Brasfield & Gorrie, Levite Jewish Community Center, SouthState Bank, Strong Automotive, UAB and more!

Each team must include 20 paddlers—a minimum of 8 females and 1 drummer.

Dynamic Dragon Boat Racing will provide everything your team needs to participate, including a dragon boat, gear and instruction.

Fun activities for all

Good times at the Dragon Boat Race and Festival at East Lake Park. (Mitchell’s Place)

Whether you choose to compete in the Dragon Boat Race or cheer from the sidelines, there’s lots to enjoy during the festival.

Here’s what else you can expect during the event:

• Bloody Mary Contest sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka—guests 21+ can sample + vote for their favorite drink

• Drummer’s parade with Dragon Boat Race participants

• Kids’ Zone with sensory-friendly activities like arts and crafts + carnival games

• Local food trucks such as Black Top Bistro, Cheezin’ + Urban Pops

• Merchant Marketplace featuring local vendors like Big Daddy’s Sauces, Magpie Art + Reagan Beer Bar

• Special guests like UAB’s mascot Blaze + the Chick-fil-A cow

Attend the Dragon Boat Race and Festival on August 17. Admission is free. To participate in the race— register your team now.

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