Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! The drummer at the helm of the boat beats the drum to set the pace, as 20 team members heave in time with each beat, slicing their paddles into the water, propelling the 46-foot-long dragon boat towards the finish line. The atmosphere is electric. The competition is heated. The boom of the drum, the glistening lake, the yell of the steerer’s commands to the team, the fireworks, the food trucks, the children’s activities, the cheering of the crowd, and multiple brightly colored dragon-scaled boats neck and neck in fierce pursuit of the finish line… all for a great cause! This is NOT your average fund raiser.

WHERE IS THIS AMAZING EVENT?

Hyde Lake in Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, TN

Google Map of Shelby Farms Park

WHEN DOES THE FUN BEGIN?

The Memphis Dragon Boat Festival is a one-day celebration that starts with set up and a kick-off ceremony on  June 1st and culminates with a full day of racing and fun on May 31.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

The Memphis Chinese Community Center is a non-profit, child advocacy and safety center to help children education.  With more teams getting involved, we plan to raise even more this year! The Memphis Dragon Boat Festival is not only a total blast, it helps out the ones who need it the most. It’s a win-win!

1. How much is the registration fee? 

    Registration fee varies with team or individuals and free for youth from 12 to 18 years old if registered with a school team. More details please go to Registration page.

2. How many paddlers are needed for a boat team? 

    At least 16 and up put uto 20 paddlers plus 1 drummer.

3. What happens if we don’t have enough people to form one boat team? 

    The organizer can put you in a boat team randomly.

4. Do I have to know how to swim?

    It will help, but not absolutely required. All paddlers will be provided with a life jacket and the licensed lifeguards will be on duty by the lake.

5. Will I get training or practice before the racing day? 

    Yes, the professional coaches from the boat rental company will provide safety instructions as well how to paddle correctly and efficiently and practice take place for one hour 

    by team within 2 days before the racing day, depending on each team’s schedule.

6. Is it safe to come to the festival? 

    Yes, there will be policemen on scene deployed from the Shelby County Police Department dispatched in the park for the event.

7. Is boat racing the only activity for the festival on 5/31/2025?

    No, there will be multicultural foods (available for purchase), free entertainments on stage - dance and live music - besides the boat racing. 

8. Whom to contact if I have questions? 

    Please contact Mr. Huimin Hu at huiminh@gmail.com

9. What is the organization’s website if I need to know more about the festival and the organization?

    Please browse this website or go to:  https://m.facebook.com/MemphisChineseCommunityCenter/