More than 100 teams from the United States and Canada competed over the weekend in Meadow Lake for bragging rights during the 17th annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Flushing Meadows Park.
The colorful races, with more than 1,000 competitors, drew large crowds both days to watch the competition and to take part in activities on land. Youngsters learned Chinese crafts while others relaxed and flew kites.
The New York championships in various divisions were taken by the Puff Puff Dragons, Azumi Dragons-Black and Apex of Verizon, while closer to home, Team Liu won the municipal cup. The top U.S. team award was won by DCH Racing of Queens.
The teak boats used are custom made in Hong Kong, each one weighing a ton. They are designed with a dragon head at the front and tail at the rear. A crew of 20 mans each boat, including a drummer to keep the beat.
