Dragon' the waves

By Dustin Block

Wednesday, June 16, 2004 11:59 PM CDT

RACINE - Practices began this week for teams entered in this summer's Great Midwest Dragon Boat Festival - a two-day event that will feature races along the shore of Lake Michigan.

Dragon boats are traditional Chinese watercraft dating back thousands of years. The races, in the protected waters south of Samuel Meyers Park, will be held during a festival that begins July 9 followed by races all day on July 10.

Friday evening will feature a parade of participants, the dragon boats and a Chinese dragon down Pershing Drive to Samuel Myers Park. The evening will continue with live music and other festivities.

That Saturday, the long canoes, each capped by a colorful, carved dragon head, will be filled with teams of racers. Each boat will hold 20 paddlers - 10 on each side, a person to operate the rudder, and a drummer to set the pace. Teams will compete for prizes in their classification as well as overall event prizes.

Spectators can watch the races from the natural amphitheater along Main Street between 14th and 16th streets. Children's activities will be available as well as food and beverages. Buses will shuttle participants and spectators around the festival area and to and from Downtown.

Racine Rotary West and the Racine County Convention and Visitor's Bureau will present the nonprofit event which will fund various charitable causes.

There's still a chance for teams to enter the dragon boat races. To register, go to the festival's Web site at: midwestdragonboatfestival.com Individuals who are not yet part of a team can sign up also, as some teams are looking for people. They can indicate their interest via the Web site or call (262) 632-0530.

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