Imagine a scene straight from a medieval adventure: dragons with scales, claws and teeth soaring across Lake Orion this summer, wing tips grazing the water’s surface.
Part of Lake Orion’s second annual Dragon on the Lake will feature just that, with the addition of dragon boat races.
The event will bring ‘unique and exciting element? to the 2010 Dragon on the Lake Festival, says Orion Art Center Director Reggie Harrison.
The art center, together with its sponsors and many partnering organizations, will be hosting the festival August 28 and 29 in downtown Lake Orion. Teams are now forming for the races — a rowing sport.
‘This is a great opportunity for businesses and community members to organize a team and go for the gold,? said Harrison.
Teams should consist of 22 athletes and will be given practice time on Saturday , Aug. 28, with race day being Sunday, Aug. 29.
Sue Turpen, vice president of the OAC, spearheaded this new addition to the festival.
She said, ‘We are so excited to bring this fast growing sport to Southeastern Michigan. Gather your teams and sign up now.?
Dragon Boat Racing is perfect for corporate team building, community clubs, neighborhood and church groups, civic organizations, sports teams, booster clubs, etc., says Harrison.
The race will be orchestrated by Great White North Dragon Boat Racing. Visit www.gwndragonboats.com for information and video clips from other successful races around the country.
Sandy Mabery, owner of Pine Tree Place Assisted Living, in Clarkston, and long time Orion resident, has signed on as a Golden Dragon Sponsor at the $5,000 level.
‘This is a huge investment for a small business, but by sponsoring this positive event, it is good for Pine Tree Place Assisted Living and for other sponsors that sign on- who are looking to be a part of something good for our town,? she said.
The Chalk Art Challenge will return with artists of all ages invited to create their chalk masterpiece. While the dragon theme is encouraged, it is not mandatory. Local businesses will have the opportunity to sponsor an artist. Cash prizes will be awarded in several categories.
For any information on Dragon on the Lake, visit www.dragononthelake.com or call 248-693-4986.
– Submitted