Get ready for summer fun when the Dragon Boat races come back to Lake Orion for the 3rd annual Dragon on the Lake Festival, August 26-28.
This festival takes place in and around historic Downtown Lake Orion. Presented by the Orion Art Center (OAC) and benefitting the Great Lakes Cancer Institute, the festival is intergenerational with special performances, activities and demonstrations that include varied music styles, performance art, Dragon Boat Races, chalk art challenge, expanded kids zone, food vendors, the return of the Dragon Pub and more.
Here are a few of the offerings :
Dragon Boat Races on Sunday, Aug. 28 — still time to form a team to benefit a charity of YOUR choice!
Baby Dragon Races Sunday, Aug. 28, at 5 p.m. — toy dragons will race down Paint Creek with $599 cash prize & other prizes.
Charity Auction Aug. 28-29 — donate items to benefit the charity of your choice, Lake Orion United Methodist Church will orchestrate auction.
Chalk Art Challenge Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 27-28 — similar to those in Europe. Participate or just watch as a parking lot is transformed into a temporary art canvas! $500 in cash prizes will be awarded. To register visit their website at www.dragononthelake.com.
Music and dance performances Saurtday & Sunday Aug. 27-28 — appeal to all from small children to senior citizens including puppet show, teen concert (Sat. at 4 to 6 p.m.) classic rock, Dixie-Land, Barbershop Quartet, etc.
Children’s Area, Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 27-28 — Expanded kids area with inflatables, arts, crafts and much more.
Food and beverage, Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 27-28 — from local vendors. Enjoy delicious, festival fare and drink including G’s Pizza, Poppyseed Deli, Victorias Delights, Italia Gardens and Culvers.
Art demonstrations, exhibits and sale, Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 27-28 — Talented regional artists display their paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery and more. Take in the art for inspiration, enjoy demonstrations or consider a unique purchase.
Last year’s festival drew over 10,000 and this year’s is expected to be even larger with nearly twice as many Dragon Boat Teams, some have chosen sponsors to benefit charities of their choices, more vendors and more performances.
‘The event, which will showcase the newly refaced, historic Downtown Lake Orion has become North Oakand County’s premier summer festival,? said OAC director Reggie Harrison.
For more information visit www.dragononthelake.com or call 248-693-4986.
The Lake Orion Review is sponsoring the festival, so watch for news and photos as the time draws near.
Other sponsors include Great Lakes Cancer Institute, American Legion Post #233, Oxford-Orion Kiwanis Club, Lake Orion Community Schools, Lake Orion DDA, Oakland County Parks, Accent on Art, Home Depot, Waste Management, PNC, Crittenton Hospital, Oxford Bank, Oakland Press, Canoe Circle Graphics, Community Lifestyles, A School for Mind and Body, Spring Hill Suites, Golling Buick-GMC, and many more.