Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival

The Event

Teams

Sponsorships

About

This is 聯漁龍. Dragon boats are stored in such a structure when they are not in use. The 5th of May in the lunar calendar is the Dragon Boat Festival in which dragon boats are rowed for competition in the Aberdeen typhoon shelter nearby. Each dragon boat belongs to a different organization, such as fishermen from different districts, university teams, rowing teams, etc. The dragon head can be detached when not in use, e.g. during practice. The dragon head would be put into the slot for real races. It's not common to see the dragon head attached to the dragon boat like this during storage.

Join us for the Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival held on June 26-27, 2026, at Copperas Branch Park on Lake Lewisville. Experience thrilling races, team spirit, good food, a festival atmosphere, and a live performance by George Dunham and the Bird Dogs. The event benefits Serve Denton and their mission to partner with nonprofits and communities to help them better serve people in need.Dragon Boat Racing"There is no sport more colorful, more exciting, more laden with culture and tradition than dragon boat racing. Imagine thumping drums, deafening chants, and billowing flags – these all accompany this adrenaline-packed sport at every race."There are two main types of races in Hong Kong: public races and fishermen races. Public races include the famous Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships held every Tuen Ng Festival, and the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races in mid-June. These races are open to the public. Anyone could form a team and sign up.Source: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.hongkongfoodietours.com/dragon-boat-racing/">Hong Kong Foodie</a>

Paddle for a Purpose

Dragon Boat Festival Video

Video courtesy of River Cities Dragon Boat Festival (https://www.rivercitiesdragonboatfestival.com) and Children’s Protection Center (https://www.childrensprotectioncenter.org).

Photo Gallery

Drachenboot-Rennen der Fischersleute in Hong Kong

Dragon boat racers powerfully paddle toward the finish line during an intense competition at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

An old dragon boat now acts as a display on the promenade of the Aberdeen typhoon shelter in southern district.

Dragon Boats race to the finish in Hong Kong, China.

Download / view the rest of my Hong Kong photos at https://unsplash.com/collections/980770/free-photos-of-hong-kong

Dragonfire. (Get the coolest paper bookmarks at www.papurrr.com 😊)

Event Partners

Connect with us to learn how your involvement in the Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival can make a meaningful impact for Serve Denton.

Schedule a time to discuss opportunities and ways to get involved with our team.

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<h4>The Heart of the Festival: Serve Denton</h4>The Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival is more than just a music concert, good food, and a fun water sport event; it serves a greater purpose by raising awareness and funds for Serve Denton, a dedicated nonprofit organization. Serve Denton works to improve the quality of life for residents in Denton, Texas, through various community outreach programs. By participating in or attending the festival, visitors contribute directly to these impactful initiatives, making a meaningful difference in the local community.<h4>Dragon Boat Racing</h4>"There are many competing explanations for Duanwu Jie, the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. All involve some combination of dragons, spirits, loyalty, honor and food—some of the most important traditions in Chinese culture."Dragon boat racing dates back more than 2,300 years in China, rooted in ancient rain-invoking rituals and in the legend of the poet-statesman Qu Yuan. Early communities raced dragon-adorned boats to encourage rainfall, ensure good harvests, and ward off misfortune. Over time, these practices blended with accounts of Qu Yuan’s death in 278 B.C. After being exiled for advising an alliance his king rejected, Qu Yuan witnessed the downfall of his state and drowned himself in the Miluo River. Villagers raced out to save or recover him, beating drums to frighten away spirits and fish.Dragon boat racing is ascribed to organized celebrations of Qu Yuan beginning in the 5th or 6th century A.D. But scholars say the boats were first used hundreds of years earlier, perhaps for varied reasons. On the lunar calendar, May is the summer solstice period, the crucial time when rice seedlings were transplanted. At the same time, says An, “according to Chinese traditional belief, the date figured with double ‘5’ is extremely unlucky.” To ensure a good harvest, southern Chinese would have asked the dragons to watch over their crops, says Jessica Anderson Turner, a Handbook of Chinese Mythology contributor who holds a Ph.D. in folklore from the Indiana University. They would have decorated their boats with ornate dragon carvings, “and the rowing was symbolic of the planting of the rice back in the water,” Anderson Turner explains."Source: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-legends-behind-the-dragon-boat-festival-135634582">Smithsonian Magazine</a><h4>George Dunham &amp; The Bird Dogs</h4>"In 2012, George made the decision to shift The Bird Dogs'&nbsp;focus fully to charity. The Bird Dogs anchor charity events like JubJam and Shoot 4 The Stars, and frequently team up with other bands for other worthy causes. It's good music, for the good."Since their first gig together in 2008, the Bird Dogs have steadily entrenched in the Texas country music scene, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the business. Their music delivers a powerful blend of Texas-country, gritty rock and three-part harmonies, with songs that reflect family, love, loss, and hope for the future. Best known as co-host of the Morning Musers on KTCK The Ticket, George Dunham has always had music in his life. Through The Bird Dogs, George has found an outlet for his songwriting with an ensemble that brings reverberating life to his words and music. With Steve Porcari on electric guitar, Travis Behl on bass, Bryant "Pablo" Russell on drums and Craig McDaniel on vocals and rhythm guitar, this line-up consistently delivers exciting live performances to enthusiastic audiences locally and around Texas. The Bird Dogs have played festivals and fundraisers with Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Cory Morrow, Prophets &amp; Outlaws, Kacey Musgraves, Lee Ann Womack, Kevin Deal, Spur 503, The Tejas Brothers and Jason Boland, among others. They can be heard on KHYI 95.3 The Range, KFWR 95.9 The Ranch, and KXT 91.7. Their annual live music event, JubJam, is critically acclaimed and has raised thousands of dollars for local charities.Source: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.birddogsband.com/">https://www.birddogsband.com/</a>

The Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival

The Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival is a celebration of Serve Denton and is filled with fun, food, music, and friendly competition. Anyone is welcome to attend the festival for the concert on Friday night or the races on Saturday.<h3>Form a team</h3>One of the most fun ways to be involved in the Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival is to be on a team! Here’s what you need:<ul><li>1 drummer who is light and loud</li><li>20 paddlers (friends, family, colleagues, coworkers, etc.)</li></ul>Each team designates a captain to coordinate the team. This person can be either a paddler or the drummer. If this is too much responsibility for one person to handle, feel free to share the responsibilities of being captain by designating two co-captains.<h4>How do I make a team?</h4>You might ask yourself, “Where am I supposed to find all these people for my team?” It’s not as difficult as you think. Do you work in an office? Do you go to a church? Do you belong to a gym? Do you have a large group of friends and family? If so, you have access to plenty of potential team members. Past events have had over thirty teams. Each of those teams pulled together enough people. So can you!As you form your team, keep the following rules in mind:<ul><li>All team members must be at least 15 years old.</li><li>During each race, there must be at least 8 female paddlers on your boat.</li></ul>The registration fee for each boat is $1,250. Too much, you say? Well, if you have a full team with 20 paddlers, 1 drummer, and 3 alternates, that’s 24 team members. At $1,250 per team, that’s only $52.08 per person for the entire event. Given the kick-off party on Friday night and the full day of fun on Saturday, that’s a real bargain! And if indulging yourself in a little fun weren’t enough motivation for you to spend the money, remember that this is an extremely worthy cause. We’re doing something here that benefits the nonprofits and communities of Denton County.Don’t know how to paddle a boat? That’s totally fine! Teams receive professional guidance/coaching during designated practice time one week prior to the race (held on Lake Lewisville).Once teams are registered, captains are provided continued guidance and support to ensure their team is prepared and ready for a unique and exciting experience!<h4>Registration</h4>Grab 20 friends and colleagues (plus a drummer!) and take part in the most unique event experience in the metroplex!The atmosphere is electric! The competition is heated! The boom of the drum, the glistening lake, the fireworks, the food trucks, the children’s activities, the cheering of the crowd, and multiple brightly colored dragon-scaled boats neck and neck in fierce pursuit of the finish line!"Join as an individual paddler” Option Can’t pull together 20 paddlers and a drummer but still want to join in on the racing fun? You can now join the event as an individual paddler! The registration fee for each individual paddler is $50. Too much, you say? Given the kick-off party on Friday night and the full day of fun on Saturday, that’s a real bargain! And if indulging yourself in a little fun weren’t enough motivation for you to spend the money, remember that this is an extremely worthy cause. We’re doing something here that benefits the citizens of our community! Note: Individual paddlers must be at least 16 years old.<h4>Payment</h4>We accept payments and fundraise with Zeffy to ensure 100% of your purchase goes to supporting our mission!

Participating in the Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival

<h3>Sponsorships</h3>Sponsoring the Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival is a great way to support a great cause, get a team on the water, and get your organization’s name out in the community. This year’s event offers a number of different sponsorship levels. The following outlines the benefits that you will receive at each level of sponsorship.“Exclusive” sponsorships are limited to one sponsor, while we can accept donations from several sponsors for those with “no limit”To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for your organization, click the "Contact Us" button.All proceeds from this event benefit Serve Denton, a non-profit agency that serves and coordinates other nonprofits under one roof to maximize impact.

Sponsorship Partners Are Foundational To Our Mission

George Dunham & The Bird Dogs

Video courtesy of George Dunham &amp; The Bird Dogs (https://www.birddogsband.com).

Frequently Asked Questions

The Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival benefits Serve Denton. Through 2 days of fun, music, food, and friendly competition, the event helps to raise awareness of Serve Denton, their mission, and to raise funds for community engagement. Learn more about Serve Denton by visiting <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.servedenton.org">www.servedenton.org</a>.Thank You! Special gratitude and acknowledgement to Jennifer Long and the Children’s Protection Center for their tremendous support for our event. Jennifer generously shared her wisdom and knowledge gained through her event, "River Cities Dragon Boat Festival," held annually on Lake Willastein in Maumelle, Arkansas. We couldn’t be more appreciative!Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Children’s Protection Center provides a safe community for children by leading the coordinated response to child abuse and providing hope and healing to families.Learn more about Children’s Protection Center by visiting <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.childrensprotectioncenter.org">www.childrensprotectioncenter.org.</a>

Race, Celebrate, Support Serve Denton

<ul><li>Banner and logo prominently displayed on stage as Illumination Extravaganza Sponsor</li><li>Company announced as display sponsor throughout Kick Off Party</li><li>Company listed on promotions as Illumination Extravaganza Sponsor</li><li>A 10 x 10 booth for your company promotions during the Kick Off Party event</li><li>Link to company website from event page</li><li>One Dragon Boat Registration and priority team practice scheduling</li><li>Logo on official event t-shirt</li><li>Logo and company promotions on festival website and social media</li><li>Logo on event banner</li></ul>

Illumination Extravaganza Sponsor (Exclusive)

Dragon Boat Alley Sponsor (Exclusive)

<ul><li>Company featured as Dragon Pub Sponsor in all promotions</li><li>Banner and logo featured on designated area throughout event</li><li>Logo prominently included on marketing materials</li><li>10 x 10 booth for your company promotions during the Kick Off Party event</li><li>Link to company website from event page</li><li>One Dragon Boat Registration and priority team practice scheduling</li><li>Logo on official event t-shirt</li><li>Logo and company promotions on festival website and social media</li><li>Logo on event banner</li></ul>

Entertainment Zone Sponsor (Exclusive)

<ul><li>Banner/logo prominently displayed in major parking areas and on all transport vehicles</li><li>Logo displayed on festival banner</li><li>Company mentioned from stage during race day</li><li>Logo included on marketing materials, such as posters and signs</li><li>Link to company website from event page</li><li>One Dragon Boat Registration and priority team practice scheduling</li><li>Logo on official event t-shirt</li></ul>

Transportation Sponsor (Exclusive)

Held prior to the festival, these two events capture an intimate audience of corporate and organizational representatives. This is an opportunity for significant on-site promotion and publicity.<ul><li>Company featured as Paddler Party &amp; Captains’ Lunch Sponsor in all promotions</li><li>Company logo featured on designated signage throughout event evening</li><li>Logo included on Paddler Party marketing materials</li><li>Link to company website from event page</li><li>Logo on official event t-shirt</li><li>Logo and company promotions on festival website and social media</li><li>Logo on event banner</li></ul>

Paddler Party & Captain's Lunch Sponsor(s) - No Limits

<ul><li>Company featured as VIP Zone Sponsor in all promotions</li><li>Banner and logo featured on designated area throughout event</li><li>Logo prominently included on marketing materials·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Link to company website from event page</li><li>Logo on official event t-shirt</li><li>Logo and company promotions on festival website and social media</li><li>Logo on event banner</li></ul>

VIP Zone Sponsor (Exclusive)

<ul><li>Company name featured in Kick-Off Party “Dragon Boat Kick Off Party hosted by ‘company’”</li><li>Banner and logo featured on stage during party night</li><li>Logo prominently included on marketing materials, such as posters and signs</li><li>A 10 x 10 space for a sponsorship booth for your company promotions during the Kick-Off Party</li><li>Link to company website from event page</li><li>Registration for one Dragon Boat Team and priority team practice scheduling</li><li>Logo on official event t-shirt</li><li>Logo and company promotions on festival website and social media</li><li>Logo on event banner</li></ul>

Kick-Off Party Sponsor (Exclusive)

The presenting sponsor receives the following benefits:<ul><li>Presentation rights of the event and inclusion of the event logo on all marketing materials.</li><li>Promotion of your company in connection with the festival in all on air promotions</li><li>Signage and banners placed throughout the event area, large banner at event entrance</li><li>Complimentary Race Day Package for up to 20 participants</li><li>Link to company website from event homepage</li><li>Opportunity for company representative to present award</li><li>Registration for one Dragon Boat team</li><li>First choice for team practice times</li><li>Logo on official event t-shirt and event banner</li><li>Promotion of company on all social media platforms—Facebook and Instagram</li><li>Five (5) VIP parking passes</li></ul>

Awarded: Presenting Sponsor (Exclusive)

The George Dunham &amp; the Bird Dogs Concert Sponsor receives the follow benefits:<ul><li>Company named George Dunham &amp; the Bird Dogs Concert Sponsor</li><li>Promotion of your company in connection with the festival in Team Support Meetings—reaching business leaders and their staff.</li><li>Signage throughout Athlete’s Village, and displayed on Athlete’s Village Gate</li><li>Logo included in Official Team Photos—Athlete’s Village banner and gate serve as the backdrop for team photos</li><li>Logo included on team cups</li><li>Link to company website from event homepage</li><li>Registration for one Dragon Boat team</li><li>Logo on official event T-shirt and event banner</li><li>Promotion of company on festival website and social media</li><li>Three (3) VIP parking passes</li></ul>

George Dunham & The Bird Dogs Concert Sponsor (Exclusive)

The Athlete's Village Sponsor receives the follow benefits:<ul><li>Company named Athlete’s Village Sponsor</li><li>Promotion of your company in connection with the festival in Team Support Meetings—reaching business leaders and their staff.</li><li>Signage throughout Athlete’s Village, and displayed on Athlete’s Village Gate</li><li>Logo included in Official Team Photos—Athlete’s Village banner and gate serve as the backdrop for team photos</li><li>Logo included on team cups</li><li>Link to company website from event homepage</li><li>Registration for one Dragon Boat team</li><li>Logo on official event T-shirt and event banner</li><li>Promotion of company on festival website and social media</li><li>Three (3) VIP parking passes</li></ul>

Athlete's Village Sponsor (Exclusive)

<ul><li>Banner and logo prominently displayed in Children’s Area and throughout the event venue</li><li>Kids activities to feature company as a promotion</li><li>Logo included on marketing materials</li><li>Link to company website from event page</li><li>Registration for one Dragon Boat Team and priority team practice scheduling</li><li>Logo on official event t-shirt</li><li>Logo and company promotions on festival website and social media</li><li>Logo on event banner</li></ul>

Children's Zone Sponsor (Exclusive)

<ul><li>Banner and logo displayed during Drummers’ Parade</li><li>Opportunity for company representative to present award</li><li>Company mentioned on stage during race day</li><li>Logo included on marketing materials</li><li>One Dragon Boat Registration and priority team practice scheduling</li><li>Link to company website from event page</li><li>Logo on official event t-shirt</li><li>Logo on event banner</li></ul>

Drummer's Parade Sponsor (Exclusive)

<ul><li>Banner/logo displayed in major parking area </li><li>Logo displayed on festival banner</li><li>Company mentioned from stage during race day</li><li>Logo included on marketing materials, such as posters and signs</li><li>Link to company website from event page</li><li>One Dragon Boat Registration and priority team practice scheduling</li><li>Logo on official event t-shirt</li></ul>

Fueling Station Sponsor(s) - No Limits

<ul><li>Registration for one Dragon Boat Team</li><li>Company name on the official event t-shirt</li><li>Company name listed on Corporate Sponsor Banner</li><li>20 x 20 space for team to set up tailgate space</li><li>25 Festival Drinking Cups</li></ul>

Dragon Boat Team Registration Sponsor(s) - No Limits

<ul><li>Company/name listed on festival website and social media</li></ul>

Friends Of The Festival Sponsor(s) - No Limits

Volunteers! We love volunteers!<ul><li>Company featured as Volunteer &amp; Hospitality Sponsor in all promotions</li><li>Company mentioned from stage during race day</li><li>Logo included on marketing materials</li><li>Link to company website from event page</li><li>Promotion of company at all team meetings</li><li>Promotion of hotel company on website as our ‘Featured Accommodation’</li><li>Logo on official event t-shirt</li><li>Logo and company promotions on festival website and social media</li><li>Logo on event banner</li></ul>

In-Kind Sponsor(s) - No Limits

Sponsorship Opportunties

Tent-only package Includes:<ul><li>One (1) 20x20-ft. tent</li><li>Two (2) tables</li></ul>

Athlete's Village Tent & Tables

Continental breakfast, juices, sodas, and catered lunch for 40 people (all provided on Saturday)

Team Food & Beverage

Generator add-on package Includes: <ul><li>One (1) 2,000-watt inverter generator with gas (refills at team expense)</li></ul>

Generator

Pole-mount fan add-on package Includes: <ul><li>One (1) pole mount fan (needs generator to function)</li></ul>

Pole-Mount Fan

String globe lights add-on package Includes: <ul><li>One (1) set of string globe lights (illuminates a 20x20-ft tent; needs generator to function)</li></ul>

String Globe Lights

Tables only add-on package includes: <ul><li>Two (2) tables</li></ul>

Tables Only

2026 Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival Corporate Team Registration Each team receives:<ul><li>Company name on the official event t-shirt</li><li>20x20 space for team to set up tailgate space</li><li>One (1) hour practice on the water with professional guidance/coaching</li><li>Continued guidance and support from the Team Support Committee</li><li>25 festival drinking cups</li></ul>

Corporate Team

2026 Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival Nonprofit Team Registration. Each team receives:<ul><li>20x20 space for team to set up tailgate space</li><li>One (1) hour practice on the water with professional guidance/coaching</li><li>Continued guidance and support from the Team Support Committee</li><li>25 festival drinking cups</li></ul>

Nonprofit Team

2026 Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival Complimentary Team Registration Each team receives:<ul><li>Company name on the official event t-shirt</li><li>20x20 space for team to set up tailgate space</li><li>One (1) hour practice on the water with professional guidance/coaching</li><li>Continued guidance and support from the Team Support Committee</li><li>25 festival drinking cups</li><li>Additional sponsor benefits at designated level</li></ul>

Sponsor Team

2026 Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival Individual Paddler Registration (must be 16 years or older). Paddler will receive: <ul><li>One (1) hour practice on the water with professional guidance/coaching</li><li>Continued guidance and support from the Team Support Committee</li><li>Festival drinking cup</li></ul>

Paddle for a Purpose

Dragon Boat Festival Video

Photo Gallery

Event Partners

Contact Us

info@lakelewisvilledragonboatfestival.com

(940) 735-3234 x119