Dragon Boat Racers Speeding Toward a Cure

Racing down the river to the finish line may sound more like a fun, competitive activity than an opportunity to give back to the community, but the Greater New Orleans Dragon Boat festival brings together the best of both worlds in support of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington.

Every year, hundreds of people descend upon Madisonville as the dragon boats hit the water. The festival offers action packed 500-meter dragon boat races, but between heats racers and spectators alike lounge along the oak-lined banks of the Tchefuncte River to take in local food vendors, live entertainment and a breast cancer survivor ceremony.