Sponsorships available

There are a number of major sponsorships available for those who are interested. The sponsorships cost $1,500 but includes a free boat registration as well as advertising benefits including mentions during the festival and signs on the festival grounds.

To become a corporate sponsor call Lori Vaadeland at the Starbuck Chamber of Commerce at 239-4220.

What is Chinese Dragon Boat Racing

In a large boat resembling a cross between a canoe and Viking ship, approximately 20 people per boat paddle in unison the length of 500 yards in a race. Anyone young or old can make up a team and participate in the races, but the team must include at least eight women.

Based in Toronto, Canada, The Great White North Chinese Boats come to town the week of the races to allow the teams to practice their stroke on the course. The day of the race, teams will race against each other before one team is eventually crowned the champion.

Starbuck will be just the third town in Minnesota to have Great White North Chinese Boats to run its races joining the likes of Duluth and Bemidji. The Great White North puts on dragon boat races throughout the United States and Canada in cities often times much larger than Starbuck.

Anyone who is interested in participating in the event or sponsor a boat should contact Lori Vaadeland at the Chamber of Commerce at 239-4220

This article can be read in full at www.starbucktimes.com