A dragon boat is pictured on Chautauqua Lake during a past race. The annual event has been canceled due to COVID-19. P-J file photo

CELORON — The Chautauqua Lake Dragon Boat Committee has canceled its planned August event due to COVID-19.

Organizers plan to try to host the next dragon boat races Aug. 13, 2022, in Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Celoron.

“It is our sincere hope that the community will be opened, and the virus contained by 2022 so we can provide a bigger and better event than ever before,” organizers said in a Facebook post.

Originating in China 2,000 years ago, dragon boat racing is one the fastest growing water sports in the world. Races are held annually in Buffalo and in the Finger Lakes region. The event has grown since debuting on Chautauqua Lake in 2016. Dragon boat racing is team-driven as participants work in unison to propel a 31-foot canoe through a designated course.

See DRAGON, Page A6

Ten to 20 peddlers power the boat with one drummer in the bow to motivate and keep the peddlers in sync, a steer-person is provided in the stern to guide the boat.

Proceeds benefit the Chautauqua Lake Association. In addition to the races, there is a Rubber Ducky Race and vendors.