Dragon Boats arrive in Bigfork this weekend

The second annual Montana Dragon Boat Festival is Sept. 7 – 8 in Bigfork.

Held at the Flathead Lake Lodge, the Montana Dragon Boat Festival has quickly become one of this region’s most anticipated signature events. About 95 teams, each with 22 members, have registered to compete in this year’s festival, including out-of-state teams from Nevada, Oregon, Wisconsin, Washington and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Team registration is now sold out, but there’s plenty of space for spectators. Races run from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, and food and beverage vendors will be on site — just remember your sunscreen, and feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair. The festival includes kids games and activities, a Made in Montana vendor showcase, live music, and a special breast cancer survivor ceremony.

Parking is $10 per car at the corner of Montana 82 and 35 in Bigfork; this includes a shuttle pass good all weekend.

The Montana Dragon Boat Festival is sponsored by the Flathead Community Foundation.

In the three days leading up to the Montana Dragon Boat Festival, teams will participate in mandatory training sessions at Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork. Those sessions take place Sept. 4 from 1 – 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Sept. 5 from 1 – 7:30 p.m.’ and Friday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 7, Flathead Lake Lodge, Bigfork: Race heats run from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Throughout the day, kids’ activities and music will take place on the festival grounds. On the Web: montanadragonboat.com.