Pizza party geared at netting more dragon boat racers

By Mick Burke

Tuesday, February 8, 2005 2:09 AM CST

RACINE - To get the community thinking about this summer's Great Midwest Dragon Boat Festival, Racine Rotary West will sponsor a free pizza party for anyone interested in dragon boat racing.

The Dragon Boat Festival Fair will start at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at Infusino's Banquet Hall, 3201 Rapids Drive. Organizers said the party be a way to start getting ready for this year's second annual Great Midwest Dragon Boat Festival, to be held July 8 and 9.

At the party, the YMCA will have information about its paddle strength fitness program, which is designed to help local teams compete with the out-of-town experts.

The recently formed Racine Dragon Boat Club will also be there with information about its activities.

"Our group of dragon boat enthusiasts is looking forward to the return of spring and getting back in the water," said Club President Mark Janiuk. "Stop over at our booth and learn more about us."

The tri-county chapter of the American Red Cross was recently designated as the pledge partner of this year's festival, which means it will benefit from money paddlers raise via pledges.

"Being the festival's pledge partner will help us educate the community about our activities and raise money to support our work," said Red Cross Executive Director Craig Husch.

Prizes will be offered as part of the pledge campaign, and one, a kayak, will be on display at the Feb. 16 fair.

"With 30 teams already registered, we are well on our way to reaching our 80-team maximum," said Rick Granite, chairman of last year's and this year's dragon boat festivals. "This dragon boat fair is a great opportunity for people who want to form a team, or sponsor a team, to learn what's involved and get a special prize if they register with a $100 deposit that evening."

The cost to sponsor a team of 25 people is now $650. That fee will rise as the dragon boat festival dates get closer.

The upcoming party will also provide opportunities to buy official Great Midwest Dragon Boat Festival merchandise and team pictures from last year's event.

Steerers and members from last year's teams will be on hand to answer questions. There will also be a door-prize drawing at the end of the fair.

To help Rotary plan for the event, people are asked to RSVP by calling (262) 632-0530, or via e-mail at: info@midwestdragonboatfestival.com

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