According to the Chinese zodiac, it’s the Year of the Dragon, a time of luck, strength, and energy.
Thus, all fire-breathing mythical creatures and humans should attend the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Races in Flushing Meadows Corona Park this weekend.
Several dozen teams – consisting of paddlers, a drummer, and a steerer – will splash through Meadow Lake in colorful teak boats with carved dragon heads. Legend has it that these reptiles will sprinkle good fortune on the competitors as they strive for victory.
On the nearby shore, food trucks will sell Bayside lemonade along with Filipino, Hong Kong, Korean, and Latin food. (i.e. Rice dumplings, spicy fishballs, steamed rice rolls, fried shrimp wontons, buttered pineapple buns, tacos, etc.) Some companies will offer giveaways and promotions, too. In the same general area, dance troupes, martial arts schools, musicians, and singers will perform on a stage.
Attendance is free, and the races are from 9 am to 5 pm on both days. Here’s the entertainment schedule.
Saturday, Aug. 3
10:30 am, Chinese Music Ensemble of New York
Founded in 1961, the CMENY is one of the oldest and largest Chinese orchestras in the United States that plays traditional Cantonese music.
11:30 am, Opening Ceremonies
The Dragon Dance from Wan Chi Ming Hung Gar Institute leads teams to the main stage and officially kicks-off the 2024 HKDBF-NY with a dragon eye dotting ceremony and performance.
12:30 pm, A Dynamic Duo of Ladies
Playing the Guzheng (Chinese zither) and Erhu (a two-stringed, bowed instrument), this ensemble creates beautiful and harmonious sounds. Wei Sun’s Guzheng offers rich and resonant tones that provide a solid foundation and melodic structure. Ping Cao’s Erhu adds a delicate and expressive element.
1 pm, Hong Kong Vocalist Echo Chan
Chan was a top 100 finalist of the Hong Kong singing competition “Midlife, Sing & Shine!” He and two guest performers, Anny Peng and Paige Lai, will do Chinese songs highlighting hits from the 1980s to the 2020s.
2 pm, Violinist Extraordinaire Daisy Jopling
Jopling and her band play rock arrangements of great classical pieces, spiced up with Gypsy Music, Irish Folk, Tango, and original compositions.
3 pm, Manhattan Taiko
Dedicated to traditional Japanese Taiko drumming, this ensemble consists of new and seasoned drummers who have expanded their repertoire to include Japanese folk dance and Sanmisen.
4 pm, NY Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Center
This team will do a kung fu demonstration filled with punches.
All Day on Stage and Roaming on the Festival Grounds
11 am to 4 pm, Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk
A full-time storyteller since 1989, Kruk has appeared at thousands of schools, libraries, festivals, and historic sites, many in Queens. He will tell Dragon Tales for children and families.
Sunday, Aug. 4
11 am, Chinese Music Ensemble of New York
The CMENY includes nearly every type of Chinese musical instrument, showcasing a diverse range of pieces from ancient Chinese traditions to modern classical compositions.
Noon, Queensboro Dance Festival
QDF Executive Director Karesia Batan has invited Irish, Hip-Hop, and Indian troupes.
12:30 pm, Cuboricua: The Latin Jazz Band
Undergoing recent changes, including the addition of a dynamic singer, the band now specializes in high-powered Salsa music.
1:30 pm, International Dance Hour Featuring New York Chinese Cultural Center, Dance China NY
2:30 pm, Hong Kong Vocalist Dawn Han
Han is a top 60 finalist in the Hong Kong TV competition show “Midlife Sing and Shine! Season 2.” She’s currently working on her acting debut in the film “Chinese School,” written and directed by William Kwok. Dawn and guest Shirry Hai will perform 80s and 90s cantopop classics.
3 pm, Manhattan Taiko
This group recently broadened its repertoire to include elements such as Japanese folk dance and the Sanmisen.
4 pm, NY Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Center
This team will entertain with its kung fu demonstration filled with punches and kicks.
All Day on Stage and Roaming on the Festival Grounds
11 am to 4 pm, Master storyteller Jonatha Kruk
Kruk has long enchanted children with finger fables, story theater, myths, medieval legends, and the lore of the Hudson River. A full-time storyteller since 1989, he’s appeared at thousands of schools, libraries, festivals, and historic sites, many in Queens. He will tell Dragon Tales for children and families.
Plus, artists will teach the following crafts: Beijing Opera Face Mask; Chinese Paper Cutting Art; Bead Figure; Chinese Calligraphy; Red Envelopes Folding- Fish, Chinese Lantern; Fairy Crane (Peace Bird) Paper Folding & Dragon Boat; Animal Dough Figure; Handmade Bead Bracelets; Hand Fan Painting; and DIY Accessories.
The parking lot near Meadow Lake fills up quickly, so attendees are advised to take the 7 train to the Mets-Willets Point station and transfer there to free MTA shuttle buses that go to the area and back. They will operate from 8 am to 6 pm.
Launched in 1990, HKDBF-NY is the oldest and largest dragon boat festival in the United States, attracting as many as 30,000 attendees each year. Dragon boat racing evolved from a Hunan folktale about third century BCE poet who allegedly jumped into a river to protest the emperor’s policies. As he sputtered, locals jumped into boats to rescue him. As they paddled, they beat drums and splashed to scare away the dragons. The poet died, but a tradition was born.
Images: HKDBF-NY