Dragon Boat Festival Oath
This single paddle represents harmony, friendship and peace among the world's people.
With the symbolic passing of this paddle, we pledge our commitment to the unification of that multi-faceted community with him humility, goodwill and dignity.
To harmony, friendship and peace.
Regina's Annual Dragon Boat Festival Background
The objective of the volunteer-run, non profit organization, called the SaskPower Regina Dragon Boat Festival Inc., is to foster better understanding, appreciation and awareness of Asian culture and heritage within our community.
Regina's Dragon Boat Festival has been identified by Tourism Regina as "the fastest growing community event in Saskatchewan." Held in beautiful Wascana Park, and drawing 20,000 spectators, this is a unique show of cross-cultural community spirit with 65 teams participating in the races. In 1992 the International Ching Chung Taoist Church presented a Dragon Boat to Regina's Festival. Completely run by volunteers, this festival has developed strong community and corporate support.
Regina's festival begins Friday evening with Taoist Priests "awakening the dragons." The Dragon Boat races run non-stop on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. While thousands of people cheer the paddlers on, thousands of others fill Wascana Park enjoying the international food, Asian entertainment, children's activities (Asian crafts and games), and the Dragon's Lair (a tent that accommodates 2,000 people; its a place to get out of the sun or rain, and it's also our beer gardens featuring live entertainment).
Dragon Boat Festival's are based on an ancient Chinese legend, dating back over 2,000 years. The 48-foot boats have dragon heads and tails and are "blessed" by the Taoist Priests during Friday evening's opening ceremonies. The boats are filled with 20-22 paddlers, a steer person and a drummer. Teams race in youth and adult categories --- both competitive and recreation.
Plan now to be a part of the SaskPower Regina Dragon Boat Festival
... either as a paddler, a volunteer, a sponsor, or a spectator.
There is truly something for everyone .... and fun for all ages!!!
See you at the Festival!
Mission Statement, Audiences, Goals & Objectives
Mission Statement
To organize a Dragon Boat Festival, based on ancient Chinese myths and legends, to be held annually in Wascana Park in Regina; and to create cross-cultural experiences and a better understanding and appreciation for Asian culture and heritage, for the citizens of Regina and surrounding area.
Audiences
1. Paddlers
2. Fans of paddlers & festival attendees
3. Potential paddlers
4. Festival volunteers
5. Business community (on-going sponsors and potential sponsors)
6. Media
Goals
1. Create an awareness, appreciation and a better understanding, amongst the people of Regina and surrounding areas, of a Dragon Boat Festival and of Asian culture and heritage.
2. Create strong corporate sponsorship, convincing them that this is an event they should support, and to acquire their on-going support.
3. Create on-going enthusiasm for paddlers, convincing individuals that they should form a team, learn how to paddle a dragon boat, have fun, and participate annually in Regina's Dragon Boat Festival.
4. Create an aura of excitement amongst the people of Regina and surrounding areas that Regina's Dragon Boat Festival is an annual 'must' outing for them.
5. Create a strong volunteer base of individuals who enthusiastically organize and promote Regina's Dragon Boat Festival, while at the same time implementing a program of volunteer succession planning.
Objectives
1. Acquire, from corporations and the business community, sufficient financial support on an annual basis, in order to produce a quality Festival each year.
2. Develop a public awareness campaign by using a variety of communication vehicles; and develop a good working relationship with Regina's media in order to promote the SaskPower Regina Dragon Boat Festival.
3. Ensure that there are an adequate number of teams participating in each year's event to make for a full day of races; and that the paddlers enjoy themselves and are well looked after, thus ensuring their participation in future Festivals.
4. Ensure that the Festival provides a variety of relevant activity for the entire public, for all age ranges, including: entertainment, games, food, and basic amenities (such as shelter from the sun or rain, water, toilets, et cetera).
5. Ensure that the volunteer base is sufficient to run a Festival of this magnitude, and that appropriate gratitude is in place for those individuals who give of themselves to organize and promote Regina's Dragon Boat Festival.
Approved by the 2009 SaskPower Regina Dragon Boat Festival Board