On Saturday, Aug. 12, at Lucille Ball Memorial Park, registered teams will again race Dragon Boats — complete with dragon heads on the front of each boat — on Chautauqua Lake for the first time since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Heather Nolan-Caskey, chair of the Dragon Boat Committee, said the boats come from Canada, which weren’t available during the pandemic.

“The last time we had the race was in 2019, so we’re very excited,” Nolan-Caskey said. “We have 15 teams so far, so our numbers are down, but we hope people will come back when we have a year under our belts.”

An opening ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. the morning of the races; each team will race three times, followed by the finals race. The day-long event will also include food and craft vendors in the park and a rubber ducky race.

Dragon Boat races, put on by the Chautauqua Lake Association, returns to Chautauqua Lake on Saturday, Aug. 12. The annual Celoron event last took place in 2019, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing its cancellation the last three years. Submitted photos

Nolan-Caskey said the committee expects more than 500 people to attend, and attendees are welcome to participate in the rubber ducky race as well. Ducks are available at the Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union at $7 each.

“For the rubber ducky race, before we get to the finals we will launch the ducks into the lake and they have a path that they follow and the winner of that race gets a prize,” Nolan-Caskey said.

Before the races begin, Meals on Wheels will offer a pancake breakfast in the park from 7:30-10:30 a.m. The cost is $7 each for adults and $5 for children; coffee and donuts will be offered as well.

Nolan-Caskey said the main focus for the event this year is to bring the race back, but in the future the committee hopes to be able to form a local club. She encourages the community to come and participate.

“It’s an exciting day on the lake and it’s something you can’t do on a regular basis,” she said. “It’s a reasonable price and it’s fun. The races are quick, and I say it’s like zip lining, because it is a rush.”

Dragon Boat races, put on by the Chautauqua Lake Association, returns to Chautauqua Lake on Saturday, Aug. 12. The annual Celoron event last took place in 2019, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing its cancellation the last three years. Submitted photos

Additionally, Nolan-Caskey said the course is short and it gives people the opportunity to work as a team.

The event is put on by the Chautauqua Lake Association, which focuses on cleaning and maintaining the lake.

No experience with dragon boats is required to participate in the races.

“You just have to be willing to put a life jacket on, get in the boat, and listen to directions,” Nolan-Caskey said. “We do offer a practice day the day before the race and have coaches come for each team to give pointers. No experience is needed.”

Each boat also has a drummer to help rowers keep the beat. Another part of the race day is a contest between each drummer for the best dressed drummer.

Nolan-Caskey said the committee is excited to have the event again.

“I think we were sheltered with COVID for a few years and we are excited to be back out there,” she said. “We put the event on for the community and we hope to see the involvement that we saw in 2019.”

“Sign up, reach out, come take a look,” Nolan-Caskey added. “It’s a fun event for kids, families and adults. We hope to have a great turnout and that people are as excited as we are.”