In nearby Nashville, the dragon boats will be back on the Cumberland River this coming Saturday.
Teams in traditional Chinese dragon boats will once again race along Nashville's downtown skyline during the 13th annual Cumberland River Dragon Boat Festival this Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m at Nashville's Cumberland Park on the East Bank Landing.
The annual event, hosted by the Cumberland River Compact, brings together 40 corporate, nonprofit, and community teams to compete in a 250-meter race on the waterfront. Each team has 20 paddlers, a drummer in costume, and a steerer who guide a 46-foot long ornate dragon boat through the water. The ultimate team-building sport, Dragon Boat racing requires synchronicity and finesse, more than power, to win. The festival as a whole is referred to as the "most unique festival in the entire state."
The festival is FREE and has something for all ages to enjoy.
The festival will feature photos on the banks of the Cumberland River with The Everyday Mermaid (new this year) from noon until 3 p.m., an adult beverage Cantina, photo-booth, educational and craft exhibitors, Dragon Land kids-only zone, food trucks, vendors, and of course, the Dragon Boat Races.
Also, for the first time, the main stage will be aboard the Pontoon Saloon parked on the river. This year's races will be broadcast on a jumbo-tron screen to make viewing more accessible and exciting for teams and festival-goers.
Back again this year as festival hosts are hit producer and artist Alden Rest and Dustin Hensley, a Billboard Magazine "One to Watch" artist.
