FAQ's
Answers to frequently asked questions about the boat race and other race-related questions. If you didn't find your answer here, please email us at paddle@SpartaDragonBoat.com.
***PARKING DAY OF THE EVENT***
To make sure everyone has an enjoyable day and to be respectful of businesses open on Sunday, please only park in the suggested areas listed below. To avoid confusion the Sparta Police will be posting "No Parking" signs around Lake Mohawk area so please be do not park in these areas. Police will issue tickets and tow vehicles not parked appropriately.
Drop off for loading/unloading is on West Shore Trail. Sparta Police will be on site – please follow directions from the Officers and/or SEF Staff/Volunteers.
We will be running shuttle busses from Town Hall and VFW so consider parking there and using the free shuttle. Shuttle bus from Town Hall/VFW will run from approximately 7:30AM – 10:30AM and return shuttles from 1:30PM – 4:30PM. The bus can be available for additional runs as needed between 10:30AM and 1:30PM.
AREAS NOT TO PARK:
- West Shore Trail
- In the Lake Mohawk Plaza
- Sparta Library
- Mancuso Salon - 12 Woodport Rd
- Do not double-park or block driveways
ALTERNATE PARKING:
- Mohawk Avenue School – 18 Mohawk Ave
- PNC Bank – 19 Mohawk Ave
- Bill Wright Music – 50 Woodport Rd
- Highlands Veterinary – 49 Woodport Rd
- Joy Cleaners – 37 Woodport Rd
- Chiropractic Office – 33 Woodport Rd
- Gentle Dentistry – 25 Woodport Rd
- Town Hall - 65 Main Street - Upper Lot. This is an an active parking lot for the Police Dept. Only park in available spaces.
- VFW - 66 Main Street
Check out our page About Dragon Boat racing or watch this video to learn more about dragon boat racing- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYtfc6L4ekM.
Dragon boats are 46-foot, double-wide canoes that seat 20 paddlers and one drummer. Each dragon boat will also have a race organizer official on board to steer and assist.
21. 20 paddlers plus one "drummer." You may include 3 alternates. All teams must have at least 8 females and no more than 10 paddlers can be between the ages of 15 and 17 (no paddlers under 15 permitted).
Yes. All teams must have at least 8 females and no more than 10 paddlers can be between the ages of 15 and 17 (no paddlers under 15 permitted).
Click on any of the Register Now buttons to learn more. Registration will be closed when we have 50 teams registered.
Teams will be registered upon receipt of an executed team registration form, along with the deposit of 50%. Final payment is due in full by April 15 or your spot will be released. Your deposit will be forfeited unless we are able to fill your spot. If we are able to fill your spot, your deposit will be returned less $100 handling fee.
Practice sessions will be held on May 12-14. All teams will have the opportunity to practice during this time. Exact dates and times will be announced closer to the event.
The Festival is an all day event. Opening Ceremonies are at 8:30am. The first heat for Dragon Boat races will kick off at approximately 8:50 a.m.
At least twice. Depending upon your times, you may qualify for a third finals heat.
There may be groups looking for members. Please like our Facebook page and follow the conversation to see who is looking for members.
You are certainly welcome to join with another smaller group, or you can "sponsor" a boat that includes patrons, customers and members of your team. Like our Facebook page to see if there are individuals looking for a team to join.
The festival and racing will go ahead if it is raining. Generally, the only time the racing is postponed is if lightning or high winds occur.
No, there is no fee to attend. It is open to the public so bring your friends and family to enjoy this community event!
Yes! The Lake Mohawk Country Club will have plenty of great food and drinks available for purchase.
Dragon boat racing provides your group with an adrenaline-pumping and competitive event that rewards synchronicity and teamwork. The money raised through this event goes to the Sparta Education Foundation which distributes the funds through grants to Sparta Public Schools.
No, there will be no refunds. If following payment a team decides not to participate, the full payment, minus a $100 holding fee, will be returned if the team notifies the Sparta Education Foundation prior to 4/15/17. Following 4/15/17, teams will be reimbursed the full payment, minus a $100 holding fee, only if a replacement team can be named.
Please remember this is a fund raising event run entirely by volunteers that enable the Sparta Education Foundation to make ongoing charitable contributions that enrich the educational experience of children in the Sparta Public Schools.
We have looked at the website, read the FAQs, but we really want to speak to somebody about this. Who can we talk to?
Please send an e-mail to: paddle@SpartaDragonBoat.com and someone will get back to you.