Dragon boats race along Pawtucket River

Pawtucket, RI (WLNE) – Dragon boats raced along the Pawtucket River on Saturday, as part of the “Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival”.

Many different divisions competed, ranging from club teams to teams with no experience. Three boats raced at a time along a 200-meter course. The teams used wooden paddles and had to collect flags along the course. A missed flag resulted in a penalty.

Taiwan gifted the fiberglass dragon boats to the festival.

People lined the river to watch the races from Festival Pier in Pawtucket. The event, which celebrates Chinese and Taiwanese cultures, also included cultural performances, food trucks, vendors and arts and crafts.

The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council hosts the event each September.