Dragon Boat Day is a long-established, annual charity fund raising event held on and alongside the River Thames in Abingdon-on-Thames. Organisers are The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper with support from members of Abingdon Lions Club and other locals. For this to go ahead in future years a few more volunteers will be needed so if you live in town or a nearby village and are sociable please get involved.
The Dragon Boat races start mid-morning and continue throughout the day, finishing late afternoon all depending on weather and speed of current on this impressive part of the Thames. The event has moved from a Springtime position on the calendar to now being a September fixture.
Are you going to join in? Dragon Boat racing attracts a wide range of teams – from local companies, day centres, schools and colleges, pre-school groups, emergency services, churches, health and fitness centres as well as groups of friends and family who are fundraising for a specific cause. Each team is to raise money for charity through sponsorship. But the event is also just a great way to spend the day even if you do not intend to get wet. Besides raising your eyebrows at the amusing range of outrageous dressing up and that the Dragon Boat teams indulge in, you can also watch the races, listen to good live music, wander round the art and craft stalls or enjoy the barbecue, bar, mini food festival. Attractions for children such as a fun fair vary each year.
