Cheer on paddlers at Dragon Boat Festival

SPARTA— Come down to the Lake Mohawk Boardwalk on Sunday, May 20 to cheer on Dragon Boat teams at the Sparta Education Foundation’s Fourth Annual Dragon Boat Festival. A major fundraiser for Sparta’s public schools, Dragon Boat races begin at 8:30 am. Part of the fun is seeing the colorful team costumes and spirited team names; previous year’s entries included Star Oars, Blazing Paddles, Strokes of Genius and Just Row With It. There is no charge for spectators, and this day-long event also includes refreshments and $5 raffle tickets for a Riviera Paddlesurf 11 ½-foot board with a Bic adjustable paddle donated by sponsor Pelican Shops and a Coolest Cooler donated by the Lynam family.
“The past three Dragon Boat Festivals were such great community events, and we expect this year’s festival to demonstrate that same energy,” said Danielle Dykstra, President of the Sparta Education Foundation. “In addition to the first, second, third place and the spirit award, there are going to be new Dragon Paddle Awards categories to breathe some fire into the competition. This is even more incentive for teams to paddle hard together and use the skills learned in the training session. The Steersman Auction adds some intrigue to the final rounds, too.”
For the third year in a row, the 2018 Dragon Boat Festival’s Platinum Sponsor is Atlantic Health System/Newton Medical Center Foundation. This year’s Gold Sponsors are Fogarty & Hara Counsellors at Law and Highlands State Bank. The Leaderboard Sponsor is Wellness Pediatrics. Silver Sponsors are Amp the Vibe, George Morville of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Nisivoccia LLP Certified Public Accountants and Advisors, and Brown & Brown Benefit Advisors. In-Kind Sponsors include Lake Mohawk Country Club, Lake Mohawk Pool, Pelican Shops and Villa Capri II. “We are so appreciative of our sponsors’generous support which goes a long way in helping the SEF to achieve our mission,” Dykstra added.
For additional information about the Dragon Boat Festival or to learn about volunteer opportunities on race day, visit www.spartadragonboat.com or send an email to paddle@SpartaDragonBoat.com.
Since 2006, the Sparta Education Foundation has funded over $898,000 in grants to all five of Sparta’s public schools. The Foundation is an all-volunteer, independent 501 (c) (3) NJ Non-Profit Corporation whose mission is to engage the entire community in philanthropic giving. Visit spartaeducationfoundation.org for more information about joining or volunteering.