SOLOMONS, Md. – This weekend is the 5th annual Solomons Dragon Boat Race, hosted by Southern Maryland Community Resources(SMCR). The event raises money to provide opportunities for those with developmental differences in the SOMD community.
Beginning in 2016, the event has free admission and is family-friendly with various vendors, performances, and food trucks. With 17 teams registered and ready to battle for bragging rights as victors of the Patuxent River, this festival could be your next family tradition.
Festival Chair Kristin Kauffman joined the team in 2017, after hearing about the importance and the impact of the event on the SMCR organization. Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, Matthew Budde Thrivent Financial, and Charleston Associates are three major sponsors that help the event raise around $30,000 each year, along with several other donors!
“Between corporate sponsorships and individual donations, we have raised over $30,000 each year,” Kauffman stated. “The funds go toward creating events and opportunities for our members at SMCR. Please note that because the money is raised through sponsorships, we are able to make this event free to the public to enjoy.”
To bring luck upon the dragon boats, the Dotting of the Eye Ceremony on Friday, Aug. 20 “awakens the dragons” and prepares them for the race. All are welcomed to join in helping the SMCR members paint the eyes.
Saturday will be packed with nonstop entertainment. With a walking parade at 8:30 a.m. and the races commencing at 9 a.m., the early morning fun leads into a full day of activity. The teams are both local and traveling from afar. Teams from Baltimore, Washington D.C., and New Jersey will be in their own race category!
Kauffman explains, “The roster also includes veteran teams from businesses like AMEWAS, Century 21, Personalized Therapy, Patuxent Presbyterian Church, Kingfishers, and major sponsor Cedar Point Federal Credit Union.”
Only one question remains: Who will be victorious this year?
While it is too late to register a team for this year’s race, SMCR encourages you to reach out for 2022 soon! For more information on the teams, schedules, and event map, visit their website: www.somdcr.org/
