The Cape Breton Dragon Boat Festival Society finalized the purchase of four refurbished 44’ dragon boats and accessories today.
The investment in the boats and supplies will reduce the overhead costs of all future festivals. They will also be available for use at other events, such as the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Summer games later in August. They will be stored at the Dobson Yacht Club for the summer, and will be looking for a permanent home for the 2011 season.
The Cape Breton Island Building and Trades Council and the Unionized Contractors of Cape Breton, presenting sponsor for the 2010 festival, provided necessary support to finalize the purchase. The organizations have jointly been major festival sponsors since 2008.
The boats arrive in Sydney Monday just in time for the festival, which officially opens Friday evening July 23 at the Marine Terminal, events starting at 5:00 pm. Races begin at 8:00 am on Saturday morning and run all day. Other events include children’s activities starting at 10:00 am, Health and Wellness Expo, Fitness Demonstrations, and Pink Ribbon Ceremony for Breast Cancer Survivors following the last race on Saturday afternoon.
This year is also exciting because the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre will host a Signal Hill concert in support of the Dragon Boat Festival, Thursday July 22. Signal Hill is a four-piece acoustic guitar based band with strong emphasis on four part vocal harmony. Hailing from Newfoundland, Canada, this band is currently revered throughout the country as the quintessential East Coast group. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre Box Office.
