Racers set to light up Schuylkill

Tomorrow, 128 racing teams made up of 2,816 paddlers will compete in the fourth annual Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival, racing their boats on the Schuylkill River to hopeful victory.

Dragon boats are long, narrow, human-powered boats that are rigged with traditional Chinese dragon heads and tails during racing. They are led by one member of the crew -- the drummer -- who creates a rhythmic beat.

"When you are racing, your adrenaline is at its highest possible level, your heart is pounding and your lungs are bursting," said Christopher Palmer, Fairmount Park director of operations and landscape management and member of the "Fairmount Park Commodores" racing team.

"The event is an outrageously good time," Palmer said. "It's part carnival sport and all fun, and it brings a tremendous amount of goodwill to Philadelphia."

Each team races three times during the festival. The first race gauges a team's skill and places it in its respective skill division. A second round determines who will move on to the finals. The final round decides each division's gold, silver and bronze medal winners.

Despite its relative youth, the Philadelphia festival "has already become the largest of its kind in North America," said Lee Lindner, executive director of the Philadelphia Dragon Boat Festival.

The festival "really shows the spirit of Philadelphia," Lindner said. "I can't even imagine how many people are going to be there. Six or seven thousand at the least."

Though the crowd is generally made up of racers' family members and friends, crowds of general spectators and more than 200 volunteers will attend the 2005 event.

Among the viewers will be members of the Penn Taiwanese Society, who are making their first trip to the festival this year.

"Usually the festivals are treated as family events," PTS co-President and College Junior Albert Lin said. "It's a positive atmosphere where everyone can just have a laid-back attitude and watch."

Despite its roots in fourth-century Chinese history, dragon-boat racing is enjoyed today by people of all backgrounds.

"When people view this festival, they see that anybody can participate in it, regardless of age, physical fitness or ethnicity," Lindner said. "It's a team thing. It builds camaraderie while also helping people get in shape."

Lin agreed, saying that "I do not find the [diversity of participants] surprising at all. It's just a way to get people exposed to the Dragon Boat Festival and a sign of breaking down cultural barriers."

Dragon Boat Festival - What: 128 teams and more than 2800 racers - When: Saturday, Oct. 1.Opening ceremonies held at 7:30 a.m, races from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m - Where: Races begin at East Park Canoe House, along the Schuylkill River

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.