The Annual Dragons on the Foss Challenge

Eye-Opening Ceremony
Sat 9 am

Races Begin
Sat 10 am

This colorful racing event, which draws thousands of spectators, began as a demonstration race during Maritime Fest 1999.

The event is organized by the Tacoma Dragon Boat Association, a nonprofit amateur athletic organization formed by paddlers dedicated to sharing this 2,400 year old Chinese sport with others.

Rich in cultural history, dragon boat racing is an international sport with 50 million annual participants worldwide.

Saturday. Enjoy the traditional pre-race ceremonies, which include the blessing and eye-opening ceremony. Watch corporate teams furiously paddle their 20-person boats down the racecourse, making their best effort to win through teamwork, coordinated effort and blended energies.

2009 Race Results

YOUTH TEAM FINALS: 1st – SAKE Spitfire Dragons, 2nd – Peace Lutheran Youth, and 3rd – Visitation Catholic Youth.

RECREATION TEAM FINALS: 1st – Kent Draggin’ Tails, 2nd – Washington Dragon Boat Association, and 3rd – Kent Ladies of the Lake.

CORPORATE/COMMUNITY TEAM C FINALS: 1st – Russell Dragons of the Mountains, 2nd – Port of Tacoma InSink, and 3rd – Visitation Catholic Adults.

CORPORATE/COMMUNITY TEAM B FINALS: 1st – Boeing Flying Dragons, 2nd – Totem Ocean Trailer Express, and 3rd – Boeing Flying Dragons ll.

CORPORATE/COMMUNITY TEAM A FINALS: 1st – Simpson Paper Dragons, 2nd – Longshore Dock Dragons, and 3rd – Family Feud.