Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival's multicultural exuberance in Queens
The 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival was celebrated in grand style in New York City last week, marking three and a half decades of preserving and celebrating the tradition of dragon boat racing.
First held in 1990, the festival was initiated by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York and has since grown into one of the largest dragon boat racing events in the U.S., taking place annually at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York.
The two-day event, which ran from August 9th to August 10th, was a multicultural spectacle featuring dragon boat races with over 180 competing teams, traditional Asian cuisine, performances, and music. Families gathered by the waterline, sipping on lemonade, while representatives from various organizations, including the State Attorney General's Office, Queens Borough President's Office, FDNY, Department of Buildings, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC Emergency Management, and NYC Parks, participated in special races during the festival.
In addition to the races, attendees lined up to play games for a chance to win prizes, such as a foam dragon puppet. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, who has attended the Dragon Boat Festival over the years, was present during the 35th anniversary.
Henry Wan, one of the co-founders of the Dragon Boat Festival, expressed surprise at its 35th anniversary, noting that there are still a few people who remember the early days of the festival. The event fosters cultural connection between Hong Kong and New York and promotes both athleticism and heritage.
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival has been held annually since 1991 and is an important event for both the Asian-American community and the city of New York. It is a testament to the power of cultural preservation and the strength of community spirit.
Engaging in the multicultural spectacle, families enjoyed their outdoor-living at the waterline, sipping on lemonade during the two-day Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. refurbishing the traditional Asian spirit, the event also featured home-and-garden exhibits, showcasing the harmonious blend of heritage and lifestyle.
