It’s a mixture of sheer power, precision and teamwork.
The Avon River is the venue for the 27th annual Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival.
The always popular event brings teams from all over for a competition featuring a multitude of categories, this year set for Saturday, Sept. 14.
Gary Wreford, chair of sponsorship and publicity, says the festival is poised to pass a massive milestone: a $1 million profit.
“If you look at it $1 million is an incredible accomplishment,” Wreford told MyStratfordNow. “Actually what is more meaningful in the grand scheme of things is what is the effect of that million dollars in our community.”
That impact includes significant funds earmarked to to major projects, including the Stratford Rotary Complex, Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth, Rotary Respite House and educational scholarships.
Wreford said upwards of 100 volunteers will help get everything ready, essentially creating a village on the banks of the Avon for the hundreds of competitors that come to Stratford, and the sea of thousands that cheer them on.
Among the teams are breast cancer survivors and their loved ones.
Wreford said their presence underscores the event’s role in promoting recovery and supporting those affected by the disease.
More than 45 teams are expecting to compete this year.
