Flathead Lake to host state's first dragon boat race

Flathead Lake often plays host to bizarre sights such as people jumping into the lake on New Year’s Day when temperatures are usually around freezing. On September 8, the lake will add a new unusual sight, when four teams of 22 people each will race down Bigfork Bay in 46-foot long Hong Kong style dragon boats.

The Kalispell Convention and Visitors Bureau teamed up with Dynamic Dragon Boat Racing LLC to organize Montana’s first annual dragon boat race. The festival will be held at Flathead Lake Lodge. The CVB hopes to draw in new tourists with the help of a $23,000 grant from the state to advertise the event to out-of-market participants.

Dragon boat racing is the eighth fastest growing sport in the world and Lethbridge, Alberta is home to 70 teams, said to Rob Brisendine, manager of CVB.

“It’s very festive. People dress up and name their teams,” Brisendine said. “It will bring a lot of economic impact to the valley hotels and restaurants. That’s the over arching goal for the event.”

So far, 10 teams have registered and the goal is to have 30-35 teams participate. Among the registered teams so far are the Flathead Valley Community College’s “Academic Assault,” and a visiting team from Las Vegas, “The Las Vegas Honey Badgers.” Teams from Canada, Washington, and Colorado have also already registered.

Washington’s Tacoma Dragon Boat Association is bringing in eight boats for the festival; four will race at a time. Recreational and competitive teams will race in separate heats of 300 and 500-meter sprints. Each team is guaranteed three races.

Participants will have an opportunity to practice on the lake two days prior to the event. Boats and gear, and safety and training sessions will be provided.

“People should be prepared to have their minds blown, participants bring enthusiasm that is unmatched,” Penny Behling, owner of Dynamic Dragon Boat Racing, said. “I’ve seen the most shy people turn into competitive freaks at dragon boat races.”

Deadline for early registration is July 2, after that teams may register until two weeks before the festival. Early registration costs per team are tiered for corporate, non-profit, and breast cancer survivors. It is $500 for corporate teams and $400 for non-profit.

Participants must be at least 12-years-old, and each team needs to have 20 paddlers, a steerer, a drummer, and two alternates for a total of 24 participants per team.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit Save-A-Sister, a collaboration between Northwest Healthcare, North Valley Hospital, and the Flathead City-County Health Department to promote breast cancer awareness throughout northwestern Montana.

A Made in Montana food and artisan showcase at the Flathead Lake Lodge will coincide with the dragon boat race. The festival will be free to spectators.

There will also be an evening awards ceremony, concert, and party at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell on Sept. 7. Tickets are $30 for the evening.

For more information about dragon boat racing, the festival, or to register a team, visit www.montanadragon boat.com or contact Brisendine at 758-2820 or rob@kalispellcham ber.com. Team registration packets can also be picked up at the CVB office, 15 Depot Park, Kalispell.