Navigating across a body of water to the beat of a drum can’t help but bring to mind images of some ancient slave galley, where wretched souls have been forced to paddle and row for their very lives. While it took Charlton Heston saving the life of the captain to escape such shackled drudgery in “Ben Hur,” there are actually volunteers for this kind of aquatic-based labor, competing in events known as dragon-boat racing. On Saturday, July 31, Richmond plays host to such a contest for its first Dragon Boat Festival. Featuring 40-foot crafts decorated with ornate Chinese dragon heads propelled by 20 synchronized paddlers, the day of river racing takes place at Rocketts Landing with contests from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For registration and spectator information visit gwndragonboat.com or call 416-962-8899.
I don't know where Jack's hostility is coming from, and we wouldn't want to spend our weekends at the mall and walmart because we might see you there.
Monday, August 02, 2010 9:18:43 AM by FYI
The bulk of Rocketts that has been developed recently is in Henrico, but is up against the city/county line. The Boathouse is in the city, I believe, and the area where most people were parked this weekend is in the city.
Sunday, August 01, 2010 8:11:19 PM by Anonymous
Um, isn't Rocketts actually in Henrico?
Sunday, August 01, 2010 9:25:57 AM by Jack
I often see people parking in places that they know damn well they should not be. Just because 20 others did it, does not men that you are ok. Not buying your story and you are welcome to spend your weekends at walmart and the mall.
Saturday, July 31, 2010 4:30:59 PM by Anonymous
This supposedly "free" event cost us $95 because our car, along with over 20 others, was towed even though there were no posted parking-prohibited, towing enforced signs and we were cited for parking in the street even though we were parked mostly on the grass. If the city really needs money to pay for this event, they should charge admission or parking fees instead of towing cars of people who are trying to support city boosting events. Needless to say, we are never going to support another city event despite the fact that we have been living and paying taxes in the city for 10 years.
