Ottawa, ON – The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival took over Mooney’s Bay this weekend marking the 20th Anniversary of the Festival and the 10th Anniversary for Festival CEO, John Brooman at the helm. In the 20 years of the event it has grown from a half-day event with 27 teams, to what it is today, a four-day event with 200 teams, 5,000 paddlers, 500 volunteers and over 85,000 attendees, making it North America’s largest dragon boat festival.
In addition to the non-stop racing, the festival offered free admission to multiple stages with world-class entertainment, amusement attractions, extreme sports demonstrations, family fun in the children’s area, a variety of artisans, exhibitors, food and drink vendors, including the beach side bar.
The CTV Main Stage saw headliners, Sam Roberts Band, Born Ruffians and Sloan. The main stage also saw The Balconies, Sam Cash and The Romantic Dogs, The Joynt, The Treasures, Kalle Mattson, The Matinee, Great Lake Swimmers, Devin Cuddy, Autumns Cannon, and Raine Maida.
Since the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation was established in 2003 to-date, $2.5 million has been raised through the annual Pledge Challenge, benefiting 29 Ottawa area charities. The 20th Anniversary edition will benefit the Youth Service Board, ArtsSmarts, Bruyère Foundation, CHEO Foundation, Debra Dynes Family House, Ottawa Humane Society and the University Of Ottawa Institute Of Mental Health Research.
