Video 1: 2008 Bon Om Tuk Dragon Boat Festival - Semi Final & Final Heat Video.This clip is off of the NAT TV video ~ Team Nagas in Lane 1 taking 1st Place~Team Xtreme in Lane 3 taking 2nd Place~Turtle Squad in Lane 2 taking 3rd Place.
Video 2 -- Khmer Krom Dragons and Water Angles Interview, Soeun Siem, Kirkland Spitfire Dragons, and pleng kan by Kirkland Spitfire Dragons.
The objective of the volunteer-run, non profit organization, called the Asian American Dragon Boat Association, is to foster better understanding, appreciation and awareness of Asian culture and heritage within our community. AADBA Dragon Boat Festival has been identified as "the fastest growing community event in Tacoma Washington."
AADBA Dragon Boat Festival is completely run by volunteers, this festival has developed strong community and corporate support. Held annually in the beautiful Thea's Park, and drawing spectators all over the Seattle - Tacoma metroplex. The annual dragon boat race draw over 5,000 visitors and competitors each year, this is a unique show of cross-cultural community spirit with 20 teams participating in the races.
AADBA Dragon Boat Festival begins with Buddha Priests "awakening the dragons." The Dragon Boat races run non-stop on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. While thousands of people cheer the paddlers on, thousands of others fill Thea Foss Waterway Park enjoying the international food, and Asian entertainment, children's activities (Asian crafts and games).
Free Admissions
Located at the Thea Foss Waterway, Tacoma, Washington
Festival of Food concessions, and Vender Area
Opening ceremony with local dignitaries and cultural performers
Annual Awakening of the Dragon and Blessing of the Boats by Buddhist Monks
Friendly and competitive Dragon Boats Races
Trophy and Awards Presentations at Closing Ceremony
Dragon Boat Festival's are based on an ancient Khmer legend, dating back over 2,000 years. The 48-foot boats have dragon heads and tails and are "blessed" by the Buddha Priests during opening ceremonies. The boats are filled with 20-22 paddlers, a steer person and a drummer. Teams race for their love of competitive and recreation.
Plan now to be a part of our event, either as a paddler, a volunteer, a sponsor, or a spectator.
There is something for everyone! See you at the Festival!
