It was a big return for the Penticton Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, with 59 teams competing on Lake Skaha over the weekend. “Everyone is excited to be back. We had some smaller events. But this is kind of a big event, I guess, for the Okanagan and around the province,” race director Don Mulhall said. “This is our 23rd year. That’s how it started from the beginning, it was actually on Okanagan Lake and it was pretty much a smaller race. And it was more training for our local teams to get to know racing, and then it would go to bigger festivals.” As the festival grew in popularity, it was moved south to Skaha Lake and expanded to two days. With each team loaded with 26 rowers on the roster, Mulhall said there are an estimated 1500 to 1600 athletes in town this weekend. “And I hope as many as possible come and maybe more spectators to watch the event.” In their first year, the Dragon Boat festival saw 12 teams compete. The highest attendance since then was 80. “This year we’re just under 60 and we’re happy with that. The sport itself, it’s a challenge to organize 26 people, and especially after COVID, those teams might have gone and done other things.” Mulhall said he hopes to continue to see this festival and the sport grow year after year “I always say it’s a great entry-level sport, as long as anyone can get into it and experience some success. And then if they want to get better and better, there’s a lot of opportunity.” Each of the 59 teams will compete four times, twice on Saturday, with the semi-final and then a final match on Sunday. “There is a match every 12 minutes. There is always something going on, there is a lot of excitement and the teams are cheering as you can see everyone loading and unloading. We have lots of vendors, lots of food and a beer garden.” The Penticton Dragon Boat Festival is free to attend and continues Sunday from 8am to 5pm
