Started by the Chinese Benevolent Society during Vancouver's Expo '86, the Alcan (Canadian International) Dragon Boat Festival was an instant smash and has been a top Vancouver attraction ever since. The event has now spread across North America to other major cities such as New York, San Fransisco, Portland, and Toronto.
The Vancouver event is by far the largest Dragon Boat Festival in North America, drawing 100,000 avid spectators and fans, eagerly cheering on their favorite team. Nothing matches the excitement of a dragon boat race, with 7 or 8 teams tensing every muscle in unison, racing neck-and-neck for the finish line, each boat's drummer in the bow beating an ever-faster rhythm that they must strain to paddle to.
The race itself is complemented by a full-scale fair-style event, with jugglers, martial arts demonstrations, Hawaiian dancing, a children's activity centre with major corporate sponsors, and the largest Asian food pavilion in North America.
The Tragically Quick thoroughly enjoyed their first two seasons of Dragon Boating, and look forward to making an even better showing at the 2000 Alcan (Canadian International) Dragon Boat Festival.
We look forward to seeing you there!
homepage tragically quick theseason ahead sponsorship links photoarchive guestbook announcements