By Dan Shriner
Review Editor
If you’re gonna retire it’s always good to go out on top.
The Dragon Boat champs for the last four years, the Island Bombers, opted to stay on top this year at the annual Dragon Boat races later this month.
But, no worries, there again will be 27 boats, manned by 21 paddlers in each craft.
James Jenkins, Orion Art Center director, said some of those from the Island Bombers who participated in the prior four championships, had other things going on in their lives, such as children going away to college and they decided to retire.
‘They wanted to go out on top,? Jenkins said.
Of course, there are other new attractions this year, Jenkins said.
Friday night will be bigger and better at Dragon on the Lake from August 28 to 30.
There’s lots of new and exciting things lined up for this years festival, Jenkins said.
In addition to the OXLO 5K race happening again and powered by the Lake Orion United Methodist Church and Crittenton Hospitals, and the dragon pub open from?6 p.m. to 1:30’a.m. with classic rock band Planet of Fun, the fun kicks off on Friday night with a new family movie in Greens Park and a ‘Party on the Point? fundraiser for the Orion Art Center.
‘Party on the Point?: Pelton’s Point (at the intersection of S Broadway and M24 behind the three-story Winfire Building) will come alive from 7 to 9 p.m. with performers from the Michigan Renaissance Festival, a strolling magician, live art, live jazz music, flyboard and hoverboard demos by Viscosity Sports on Lake Orion.
Local restaurants, Italia Gardens, Kruse & Muir Roadhouse, Victoria’s Delights, Big Wave Sushi & Achatz Pies will offer small plate samples.
Beer and wine will be included and three different types of ‘Dragon Juice? will also be available.
The weekend will be kicked off style and boaters can mingle with the board, staff and members of the Orion Art Center as everyone enjoys the view of the annual Lake Orion Lake Associations lighted boat parade.
It will be powered by Ray C’s eXtreme store, and scheduled to pass Pelton’s Point and Greens Park at roughly?8:50 p.m.
Tickets are available for a $50 donation per person and will help to fund the Dragon on the Lake festival, which helps the Orion Art Center to provide classes, camps, art shows, special events and more for the community.
You can call the OAC during hours (W-F 12-6 & Sat 12-3)?’or go to:’http://tinyurl.com/pygp2nl’to purchase your tickets online now.
‘This year will also feature a ‘Family movie in Greens Park?.
Bring your family down to Greens Park and enjoy the first annual family movie night at Dragon on the Lake Festival.
The Orion Art Center, the Village of Lake Orion Parks & Rec and the Lake Orion Lions Club will partner to show the family movie ‘How to Train Your Dragon? (1 hr 38 min run time) on a giant inflatable screen. Entry for the movie and the best view of the lighted boat parade estimated’for an 8:50’pass by will start at 8 p.m.
Tickets will be sold for $3 adults, $2 kids 2-12 and kids two and under are free.
Jets Pizza, Kona Ice, water, pop, chips and other goods will be sold in the park. Bring a blanket and kick off the weekend with your family.
Also new this year at Dragon on the Lake:
Friday: Dragon Pub with the Kights of Columbus & Planet of Fun ??7-11:30
Saturday: 12-2 Dragon Love Lip Dub, 1,3, and 5 p.m. in the eXtreme Zone: Live wrestling matches
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the eXtreme Zone. A Birds of Prey Show.
Saturday’and Sunday: More live art on North Broadway and Pocket art show with Tattoo Noveau
Made in the USA Art & Craft Fair ? handmade items sold for $100 & below
? The Orion Art Center celebrates 36 years of helping to identify and promote local artists. The OAC also holds year round classes and camps, provides youth scholarships, hosts special events and produces the annual Dragon on the Lake Festival.
The Healing Power of the Arts show will be on display during the Dragon on the Lake festival, a Lake Orion event with an expected 10,000 people in attendance on Aug. 28, 29, and 30.
OAC hours: are Wed ? Fri from noon-6 p.m. and Sat’from noon-3 p.m.
For more information call 248.693.4986.