Dragon Boat Festival

Join us July 15, 2023!

The 2023 Arnprior Dragon Boat Festival returns for another summer fun on and off the water. We look forward welcoming teams to our beautiful Robert Simpson Park located along the shores of the Madawaska and Ottawa rivers – where the river’s meet!

The Festival is a daylong event with each team guaranteed three races. Races begin at 9:00 a.m. and the Festival typically wraps up by 4:00 p.m. There are two divisions to compete in – Women's and Community.

This festival is a great day for participants and spectators! With various food trucks, vendors, a DJ spinning tracks all day, and a day full of racing - you'll surely be entertained.

Registration for the 2023 Arnprior Dragon Boat Festival is now open! Click on the link below to register.

Register your team in the 2023 festival!

**Festival Fees**
Item	Cost
Early Bird Registration - Before May 1 2023	$800.00 + HST
Regular Registration - May 1 2023 or later	$900.00 + HST
Drummer (if needed)	$125.00
Steersperson (if needed)	$125.00

The 2023 festival will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Arnprior Food Bank. Help us fill a boat located at the Lion’s Pavilion (gazebo).

Festival FAQs

How do I register?

Click here to complete the registration form. To register, you must have an account with our online booking system. Note: only one person needs an account, preferably the team captain.

Is there a fee to participate in the festival?

There is a fee for teams to compete in the races. The Early Bird Registration Fee is $800.00+HST until May 1, 2023. The Registration Fee increases to $900.00+HST after May 1, 2023. There are additional fees if a team requires a steersperson ($125.00) or a drummer ($125.00). Registration is not confirmed until fees are paid.

What divisions can teams compete in?

There are two divisions in the Festival –Women’s and Community. The community division requires a minimum of five (5) females in the boat. This division can be teams who boat together frequently or community businesses or organizations. All are welcome in the community division.

What is the role of the team captain?

The Team Captain is responsible for managing their team’s registration, ensure waivers are signed and returned by the deadline, and will be the primary contact for all festival communications.

Where do I find the waivers?

Waivers will be available to be downloaded online at www.Arnprior.ca/DragonBoat and must be signed by all team members and returned by the team captain to lpower@arnprior.ca by July 6, 2023.

How do I volunteer?

The Arnprior Dragon Boat Festival welcomes applications from all interested individuals who are 14 years of age or older. Students are welcome to apply, and community hours can be credited. Interested volunteers can email Lucas Power at lpower@arnprior.ca. Please note that some volunteers will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check prior to volunteering (at no cost to the volunteer).

How can I become a vendor at this event?

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please contact Lucas Power at lpower@arnprior.ca or 613.623.1795.

How can I become a sponsor for this event?

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Lucas Power at lpower@arnprior.ca or 613.623.1795.

Festival Logistics

What is the race format?

All teams are guaranteed to participate in three (3) 400 meter races. The first two heats will seed teams for the final race of the day – the championship race. Historically there are multiple tiers in each division (i.e. Community Division A, B and C). Each race will typically feature three teams.

What is the Water Safety Plan for this festival?

The Town of Arnprior supplies trained lifeguards that observe the race on-land while the Arnprior Fire Department supports with coverage on the water with trained lifeguards on their boat as well. The Town of Arnprior also works with Ontario Power Generation requesting a no-flow so that the weir does not operate during the race.

What are the rules of the race?

The festival adheres to the rules of racing outlined by Dragon Boat Canada. Rules of Racing.

How many paddlers does my team require?

All teams registered in the Arnprior Dragon Boat Festival must have a minimum of 5 female paddlers for a total race compliment of 20 paddlers, one drummer and one steersperson. The minimum number for your team roster on race day is 16 paddlers.

What is the refund policy?

75% refund if registration is cancelled prior to June 16, 2023. 50% refund if registration is cancelled between June 16, 2020 and June 30, 2020. No refunds after June 30, 2023.

How many teams compete in the festival?

Historically, we have 23-27 teams competing each year.

Who operates this festival?

The Town of Arnprior is pleased to have partnered with Alkame Dragon Boat Services who will be running our festival.

What happens if it starts raining?

The festival and racing will go ahead if it is raining. Generally, the only time the racing is delayed or postponed is if lightning or high winds occur.

Is there a charity that benefits from this festival?

Yes. Collections for the Arnprior Food Bank take place at the event.

Event Day

Where is this festival taking place?

The festival headquarters is at Robert Simpson Park (400 John Street North). The races take place on the Madawaska River with the finish line close to the mouth of the Ottawa River; where the rivers meet!

What do I need to do on event day?

Each team captain must report to the Festival Check-in Desk on race day. Check-in consists of confirming your team roster, ensuring all waivers are signed and fees are paid. Race kits will be handed out to teams with completed waivers and rosters. Any team with missing waivers will have to wait until the waivers are completed to receive their Team Kits. Check in typically opens 1-2 hours before the first race of the day.

What do I need for event day?

Bring your equipment (if you own any), spare clothing, sunscreen, water, rain gear and cash for any vendors on site. There is food available for purchase. We supply the boats, PFDs and paddles, so you’re all set for racing equipment. Paddlers are permitted to use their own PFDs or paddles provided they meet safety requirements. For the Team Village, teams bring their own tent, table and chairs. Some teams bring a full spread of food and beverages, play music, or even decorate their tent. If you bring your own food, mind the bees, wasps and sea gulls. Please note that only CSA approved propane or gas-powered grills are permitted. All other devices are prohibited under the Town of Arnprior’s Municipal Burn By-Law.

Where do I find the schedule and results?

The complete schedule will be posted on this webpage once created. The first race will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the Festival is typically complete in its entirety by 4:00 p.m.

Results are posted at the main stage at Robert Simpson Park on the display screen. There is also a scoreboard poster at the race launch site at the Marina.

Following the event, results will be posted on this webpage.

What do winning teams receive?

Teams that finish first, second and third in the highest division of category will receive a medal.

Is there a fee for the public to attend this festival?

There is no admission fee and everything is open to the public.

What is the best location to watch the races?

The best location to watch the races is along the Gillies Trail between the marina and Robert Simpson Park. Bring a lawn chair and some sunscreen and enjoy a fun day on and off the water!

Where do I park?

How can I get to the site? There is free parking available in the parking lot of Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital with a free shuttle to and from Robert Simpson Park. ***PLEASE NOTE: There is no public parking available at Robert Simpson Park***

Participating teams will be able to drop off gear/teammates at Robert Simpson Park prior to 9:00 a.m. A free shuttle will be available to both participants and event-goers running between the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital and Robert Simpson Park. Parking is free at the hospital.

What rules of the park do I need to know?

Dogs are allowed, but must remain on their leash.

This is an alcohol free event. NO outside alcohol is permitted onsite and will be confiscated.

Please note that only CSA approved propane or gas-powered grills are permitted. All other devices are prohibited under the Town of Arnprior’s Municipal Burn By-Law.

Is there food and drink options at this event?

Yes. The canteen at Robert Simpson Park will be open all day. A food truck at the Town of Arnprior Marina (closer to the race viewing area) will also be in operation. Water Bottle Re-fill Stations will be located at Robert Simpson Park (near the canteen) and at the Town of Arnprior Marina (closer to the race viewing area).

What else is happening on event day?

A DJ will be spinning tunes all day long and the awards ceremony will commence following the final race of the day (approximately 3:45pm).

What are the festival's greening efforts?

There is a dedicated team that helps keep the site clean; waste and recycling stations are available for festival-goers; two hydration stations are provided allowing people to re-fill personal water bottles; encouraging local residents to walk or bike to the event; providing a free shuttle services from the local high school to Robert Simpson Park.

Paddles Up!

For questions and concerns, please contact recreation@arnprior.ca.

Sponsor This Event

This event would not be possible without our amazing sponsors. The Town offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities to meet all budgets; we would love for your business or organization to consider being a part of our Summer events.

Click here to view the Summer 2023 sponsorship package.