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Dragon boats rule the lake

Third annual Dragon Boat and Rubber Ducky races held Saturday on Chautauqua Lake

Photo by Eric Tichy Hundreds of participants and observers were at Lucille Ball Memorial Park on Saturday for the third annual Dragon Boat and Rubber Ducky races. Proceeds from the event will go to the Chautauqua Lake Association. More than 30 teams participated this year.
Photo by Eric Tichy Dragon boat racing has become a popular water sport throughout the world. Races are held annually in Buffalo and the Finger Lakes region in addition to the one held on Chautauqua Lake. Pictured above is one of the races held Saturday at the park.

CELORON — Dragons and rubber ducks invaded Chautauqua Lake on Saturday.

The third annual Dragon Boat and Rubber Ducky races were held at Lucille Ball Memorial Park. The event — which drew hundreds of participants and observers to the park — benefited the Chautauqua Lake Association.

The dragon boat races involved 31 teams from Buffalo, Erie, Pittsburgh and Ithaca in which members worked in unison to propel a 31-foot canoe through a straight course. Each team consisted of 10 to 20 paddlers to power the canoe with one drummer to motivate and keep the paddlers in sync.

Also returning was the Rubber Ducky Race that benefited the Chautauqua Lake Association and Jamestown Lakers Sled Hockey. More than 3,000 yellow rubber ducks were used this year.

Originating in China 2,000 years ago, dragon boat racing is one the fastest growing water sports in the world. Races are held annually in Buffalo and in the Finger Lakes region. The event continues to be the only one of its kind on Chautauqua Lake. A pancake breakfast was held prior to the opening ceremony to support Meals On Wheels of the Jamestown Area.

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