North Shore Hwy 61

Hundreds of people will crowd into Grand Marais for the 7th annual North Shore Dragon Boat Festival July 29-Aug. 1. The fun-filled weekend is a paddling adventure and a weekend community celebration that is one of the highlights of the summer. It’s also a fundraiser for three non-profits in the county: WTIP Community Radio, the North Shore Health Care Foundation and North House Folk School.

The fun starts on Thursday evening when practice and training sessions start in the Grand Marais Harbor. On Friday night at 7 p.m., all the teams gather in the Senior Center Parking lot for the Parade of Teams through town and the opening ceremony. A total of 20 boats with crews of 20 people each participate in the race so this parade definitely fills Wisconsin Street with an excited, colorful crowd. After the opening ceremonies on Friday night, The Splinters will play until dark. On Saturday morning, Great Expectations School holds a Pancake Breakfast at the Crooked Spoon Cafe for racers and spectators alike. The races start at 10 a.m.

There are some new events this year. The popular Inter-Generational Paddle will be held at noon, and there will be youth dragon boat races. Food vendors and artisans will set up in the downtown area as well, adding to the festivities. The awards ceremonies are at 5:45 p.m. in Harbor Park.

Sherri Moe, director of the Dragon Boat Festival, said 19 boats had registered by the beginning of July, but teams are often looking for a paddler or two, and individual registrations are taken up to the day of the race.

For more information, visit www.northshoredragonboat.com or call 387-9076.