Friday, 9 September, 2011 8:34
by Chris Jay
The 2010 Red River Dragon Boat Festival. Photo by Jim Huckabay.
The Red River Dragon Boat Festival returns 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Saturday, September 10. Dozens of dragon boat teams from Shreveport-Bossier, as well as visiting teams from places like Lafayette, LA and Houston, TX, will compete. In addition to the competition, there's a festival vibe to the event. Last year, I showed up early, set up lawn chairs, grabbed a tasty breakfast taco from Columbia Cafe, and enjoyed some great company while watching the teams battle it out. Admission is free, and the weather should be incredibly nice (i.e. still in the 70's and 80's) for this kind of event. As is detailed in today's story in The Times, there's a dynasty champion here - the Shreveport Fire Department have walked away from this event as champions every year to date. Several teams have been very public about seizing the title this year, but none of them strike me as having anywhere near the combined muscle mass of the SFD gang. We'll see!
Whether you're a dragon boat enthusiast or a complete newcomer, this event makes for a great excuse to enjoy the riverfront that we're so lucky to have in Shreveport-Bossier. I recommend bringing lawn chairs, sun block, and possibly a bullhorn with which to encourage (or discourage) the team of your choice.