Dragon Boats in Johnson City!

Last Saturday, we attended the Mountain States Dragon Boat Festival--our first-ever dragon-boating event--up in Johnson City, Tennessee! My sister (Robin), brother (Johnny), and brother-in-law (Steven) were all on the same team. Robin competed as part of her work team last year, and this year she recruited Steven and Johnny to join in on the fun.

We were already planning on going to Asheville for Nanny's party on Sunday, so we decided to drive up a little early for the dragon-boating festivities, seeing as how it's only another hour or so on to the JC. I don't think I'd heard of such an event until last year when Robin participated--it's pretty neat, though.

Basically, this is a big fundraiser for the children's hospital. Area businesses and organizations have teams and raise money, and then on the big day they race these long, narrow boats with dragon heads and tails. There also are lots of tents and booths set up as well as activities for the kids. What fun!

From what I hear, the secret to dragon-boating success is being in sync with your teammates. A drummer sits at the head of the boat, keeping a beat for the rowers. It's really cool to watch!

The rowers after their first race--Steven, Robin & Johnny

Here they are rowing out to line up for their first heat--which they won, by the way. :o) Robin, Steven and Johnny are on this side, so I am glad I took some photos of them going to get in line. In the race photos, they are on the other side of the boat, so you can't see them that well.


Winners! YAY!

Fun cousins ready for the festivities


Family pic--it was sooooo hot. We're talking in the 90s, people! This was still early on, so we weren't drenched with sweat just yet. haha


We've never met a $20 bill we didn't like!


Johnny and A-C enjoying the playground


Kate with Grammy & Grampy


Here Kate is giving Tanna some grass--she loves to pick grass!

And here she is feeding me some mulch. Yum!


Trying to cool off with Aunt Robin, some cold water and a bit of stroller shade


Tanna enjoyed the food--surprise, surprise.
"It's for the children," he said. LOL!

We ended up taking the kids back to Johnny & Anne's house before the second race started. It was just scorching hot. The family rowers finished second in their next heat and apparently **just missed** the cutoff for the championship round of racing. They did great, though, especially considering the heat. It's for the kids, after all! Here's to next year!