The crowd stands as one of the dragon boat races nears the finish line.
On Saturday, Sept. 6, Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville was once again the venue for the annual Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. An amazing crowd of teams, spectators, vendors and volunteers showed up to create a vibrant, festive day of fun. However, for the first time in its 28-year history, the afternoon races were canceled because of storms that rolled in on Saturday afternoon. Luckily, the weather didn’t strike until later in the day, allowing the thousands who came to watch the morning races and enjoy the opening ceremonies.
Local teams that finished in the top three of their divisions included LCKC’s Super Dragons (second); University of North Georgia (first); Jackson EMC Juggernauts (second); and Jackson EMC Wiley Wiredhands (second).
Drummers , dragons and dancers performed during the Opening ceremonies.
Next year’s festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Photos: by Vicki Hope
