Lake Lure Dragons Select Their Kids

The Board of Directors of Lake Lure Dragon Boat Racing, a non-profit public charity, has selected six children’s support programs for the “Lure of the Dragons” dragon boat races and cultural festival set for May 16, 2009 at the Lake Lure town park.

The festival, in its second year, is dedicated to improving the quality of life and future of our children in Rutherford, Polk, Henderson and Buncombe counties.  This year’s beneficiaries are: 

       Camp Lurecrest

       Big Brothers Big Sisters of Polk and Henderson Counties

       Thermal Belt Outreach – “Feed-A-Kid” Program

       New City Christian School of Asheville

       Hospice of Rutherford County

       Lake Lure Youth Center

Last year’s inaugural race and festival was a surprisingly huge success, attracting 22 dragon boat teams, 264 paddlers, 2000+ spectators, and raising $10,000 for our kids.  Doug Long, festival director, anticipates even more teams and spectators this year.  According to Long, most all teams are returning and there will be two new race divisions this year, a youth division (ages 12-18) and a breast cancer survivor division.

The presenting event sponsors are Pinnacle Sotheby’s Int’l. Realty, Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce, Camp Lurecrest, Timken Company, and the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority.

To learn more about how businesses, organizations and individuals can form and enter a team (11 people), become an event or team sponsor, be a paddler on a team, or be a volunteer, call Doug Long, Festival Director, at 828-980-8838, or visit www.lureofthedragons.org.