Dragon Boat Festival slated for Sept. 7-8

When the Flathead Community Foundation climbed on board as the title sponsor for the 2012 Montana Dragon Boat Festival, they knew they were in for a wild ride.

After a rip-roaring success in 2012, including the $75,000 raised by local non-profits, the Flathead Community Foundation returns as this year’s lead sponsor.

This year’s races are scheduled for Sept. 7-8. Individuals looking to participate and raise money for charity but are unable to organize a 22-person team of their own have the option to participate in the foundation’s Triple Threat team. Triple Threat is a trio of dragon boat racing teams open to nonprofits and individuals.

In addition to a place on the racing team, Triple Threat registration for the two-day event will include a signature team shirt and other adornments, special event raffle ticket, tent decorations and an optional donation to the Foundation’s Flathead Fund for community grants and awards to area nonprofits.

To register for the Triple Threat team, go to www.flatheadcommunityfoundation.org and click on the Dragon Boat logo.

The Flathead Community Foundation raised $10,000 to back the sponsorship. The sponsorship investment paid strong dividends in community awareness and funds raised for area non-profits participating in the event.

“The Flathead Community Foundation teamed with the Montana Dragon Boat Festival because of its potential benefit for area nonprofit organizations. Participating in this exciting, high visibility event creates a wonderful opportunity for organizations to raise money and awareness, involve volunteers, and have a blast doing it,” Executive Director Lucy Smith said.

Details about the 2013 Montana Dragon Boat Festival are available at montanadragonboat.com or by contacting Rob Brisendine at 758-2820 or Rob@discoverkalispell.com.