A few spots remain for paddlers who want to participate in the Third Annual Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday, May 21. The Sparta Education Foundation is sponsoring this event and invites everyone to come down to the Lake Mohawk Boardwalk to cheer on Dragon Boat teams. A major fundraiser for Sparta’s public schools, the Dragon Boat Festival’s opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 am. There is no charge for spectators, and this day-long event also includes a raffle for a kayak donated by Pelican Sport Center in Morris Plains.
Part of the fun is seeing the colorful team costumes and equally colorful team names; last year’s entries included Star Oars, Blazing Paddles, Strokes of Genius and Just Row With It.
The Lake Mohawk Country Club’s Grill will offer refreshments on the Boardwalk for cash purchases during the Dragon Boat Festival. Additionally, the Lake Mohawk Country Club is hosting a Dragon Boat Festival Kickoff at the Lake Mohawk Tiki Bar on Thursday evening May18 beginning at 5PM.
For the second year in a row, the 2017 Dragon Boat Festival’s Major Sponsor is Atlantic Health System/Newton Medical Center. Friend of the Festival Sponsors include Fogarty & Hara Counsellors at Law, Lake Mohawk Country Club and Northern Pride Web Design. For additional information about the Dragon Boat Festival or to learn about volunteer opportunities on race day, visit www.spartadragonboat.com or send an email to paddle@SpartaDragonBoat.com.
“The past two Dragon Boat Festivals were such great community events, and we expect this year’s festival to demonstrate that same spirit,” said Danielle Dykstra, President of the Sparta Education Foundation. “Many of our participating teams from the past two years are returning for another shot at winning this unique boat race that brings the whole town together. We’re encouraging everyone to come down to the Lake Mohawk Boardwalk to be a part of this one-of-a-kind event that benefits Sparta’s public schools with educational grants and programs.”
The Sparta Education Foundation has awarded over $782,000 in grants to all five of Sparta’s public schools since 2006. The Foundation is an independent, non-profit, all-volunteer organization whose mission is to engage the entire community in philanthropic giving that strengthens the public schools, supports teachers, and inspires students. For more information about the Foundation, visit spartaeducationfoundation.org.