The 1st Annual DFW Dragon Boat, Kite and Lantern Festival

[boeaya]

If you have nothing to do this coming, I will be there.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Free to public
Place:
South end of Lake Carolyn in Las Colinas, Irving, TX
- opposite end of lake from Mustangs at Williams Square
- intersection of Las Colinas Blvd. and Lake Carolyn Parkway
See directions and festival programs below.
www.dfwdragonboatfestival.com
The festival features kite flying and dragon boat races in the morning, cultural performances in the afternoon and a lantern festival in the early evening plus traditional Asian food, arts and crafts and educational activities for children.
Come enjoy a day of cultural diversity and educational activities.
Dragon boat racing originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It’s an ancient Chinese festival, commemorating the great hero and patriot, Qu Yuan.
Rice wrapped in water rush leaves (bacang) is the traditional food used to honor his sacrifices.
According to legend, the local fishermen raced out in their boats to try to save him from drowning in the Mei Lo River.
DRAGON BOAT RACING
Over the past 25 years dragon boat racing has become an organized international sport.
In fact, today it has become the world’s fastest growing water sport. Dragon Boat Festivals are celebrated across Asia, in Europe, Australia, Canada and here in the US.
Kites
Originally used for communication in battle, kites were invented in China about 2,000 years ago. In the 12th century, kite making spread to the West. As the handicraft of making kites developed in China, local and traditional Chinese culture combined to produce beautiful kites depicting fairy tales, flowers, birds and other animals. Contests testing the craftsmanship and kite flying skills have been held in China for thousands of years.
Lanterns
The Chinese lantern was the first historically documented portable light in the world. Lanterns are displayed at the Chinese New Year Festival and the August Moon Festival. They are made in many shapes and sizes from small and simple spheres to intricate designs with portraits of historical figures, pictures of legends and landscapes and beautiful calligraphy.
Directions to
South end of Lake Carolyn in Las Colinas
(opposite end of lake from Mustangs at Williams Square)
From Belt Line, 635 or Royal head west Exit Luna which is just after 35 on 635 (go quickly to extreme right to catch exit)
• Head south on Luna till intersecting light at Royal (pass i2, Double Tree Club, Haggar buildings) Turn right on Royal till next light.
• Turn left at next light Riverside (new developments SE corner, Horse farm/school SW corner, Studios of Las Colinas NW corner)
• Go pass next light (Spur 348)
• The road now becomes N O'Connor (Nice urban area in front, Lofts at left)
• Turn left at second turn (no lights) to Lake Carolyn parkway (just before first tall building on left) along the lake (to your right) till intersection at el Lago
• If you miss above turn, you will see mustangs and Williams Square on your right, then turn left at next light and follow Las Colinas Blvd to intersection at el Lago
From Stemmons or 183, exit to 114 heading north
Exit Rochelle Blvd and turn right (east) look for parking
Festival is to your left by the lake at El Lago
FESTIVAL PROGRAM - Sunday, April 29, 2007
AM
8:00 Dragon boat team registration
8:30 Kite Festival begins
9:00 Dragon Boat Festival begins
10:00 Opening Ceremonies
Welcome
Mayors’ Proclamations
Sponsors’ Remarks
Dragon and Lion Dances
10:30 Dragon Boat Races begin
11:30 Cancer Awareness Program and Race sponsored by
Dallas County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

PM
1:00 Welcome
Mahalika Philippine Bamboo Dance
DFW Chanpuru Okinawa Society Taiko Drum Dance
Indonesian Instrumental – Indonesian community
Lee’s White Leopard Tai Chi Demo
Nruthya Shakti Indian Folk Dance
Laotian Dance
Korean Dance
Grace Hawaiian Hula Dance with Farley Lutien
Vietnamese Dance – Vietnamese community
Thai Dance – Thai community
Pakistani Dance – Pakistani Society
Chinese Dance
Grace Evangelista Tahitian Dance
Lee’s White Leopard Kung Fu School Demo
John Su Double Chain Whip Form
4:30 Dragon Boat Race Awards Ceremony
5:00 Dallas Asian American Youth Orchestra
6:00 Lantern Festival
Parade of Nations
Dragon and Lion Dance
Closing remarks

[guitarbug]

Thanks so much for posting this! I think there will be great photo ops here! I only hope I have time to get over there. Thanks again!

[Namie]

Thank you Thank you Thank you for posting this. I have a son who absolutely adores anything dragon related, so I'm going to surprise him with this!

Of course, no surprise I'll have to take my camera with me!

[xseption]

thanks for posting this event!

[ChuckW]

Thanks for the notice on this event!
Chuck

[mobilezen]

darnit...couldn't go today. Had to do my sister's bridalshoot. Ah well.

[vr666m]

i thought the event was absolutely pathetic.

Instead of having at least 6 or 8 boats racing at once, only 2 boats were racing in each round, and the races were far from exciting. The crowd had to wait for at least 20 min between each round for the rowers to get set up. Finishing line shots were not even close to a photo finish.

The booths at the event was a pretty sad sight too.
Felt like the organisers can't get real asian food / stalls there.
At least 1000 people attended, I thought it could have been a much better organized event.

[mmpictaker1]

I wouldn't say the festival was that much of a disaster.

I liked the dragon dance and ... uh .....well.

What do you expect from a 1st Annual?? Next year they need some better music, and better ORGANIZATION. Decorations could have been better too....

[mobilezen]

I bet they served eggrolls

Glad I didn't miss much then.

[zeroendless]

Originally Posted by mobilezen

Glad I didn't miss much then.

Same here, 2 boats is a total waste of my time.

What do you expect from a 1st Annual??

Words get around, there would be too late to get people going next year. If i were to introduce an event new to town, i make sure it rocks the very first time.

[JoeBannon]

Glad I didn't go then.

[vr666m]

Originally Posted by zeroendless

Same here, 2 boats is a total waste of my time.

Words get around, there would be too late to get people going next year. If i were to introduce an event new to town, i make sure it rocks the very first time.

I totally agree.
You can be sure I WILL NOT be going next year.
A dragon boat event is the easiest thing to organize, the name itself draws the crowd.
I felt soooo cheated when i saw the rowers, then the two lousy boats, and the "garage sale" booths. Too bad the organizers didn't leave an email on their website, i would love to give them a piece of my mind.

[mobilezen]

Plastic boats I'll still go next year just cause I missed out. Just keep in mind with something pretty crappy as this could've been (shame on organizers for giving us a bad name haha)...there is art everywhere. :)

[matwey]

just to see how much multi cultural society we are... and just give them a credit it was first time and I believe will be better in years ahead

[matwey]

i would love to give them a piece of my mind.

yes you right no hot dog, no Mcdonalds and popcorn was too salty no festival shame