NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State University Alumni Association will host Natchitoches’ third annual Dragon Boat Races Saturday, March 3 at the newly-renovated downtown riverbank. Races will begin at 8 a.m. and continue throughout the day with vendors, music and activities for families and spectators. Spectator admission is free.
Dragon Boat teams consist of 20 paddlers (a minimum of eight must be female) and one drummer. The helmsman will be provided. There will be a practice session for each team during the week preceding the event.
The cost for each team to enter is $1,200 plus a $19.95 fee. Sponsorships, which include a team entry, are $2,500 with a $19.95 fee. The cost for a vendor is $100 plus a $3.95 fee.
“The Dragon Boat Races have drawn teams of NSU student groups, local businesses, groups of friends and families from throughout the area,” said Van Erikson, associate director of Alumni Affairs. “This is a fun, unique and entertaining day-long event to spend tailgating with friends on the riverbank in a festival-type atmosphere and watch the competition on river.”
To register, visit northwesternalumni.com and scroll to Dragon Boat Races in the Events listings. 
