The West Coast Dragon Boat Society is anticipating a full house for its annual race at Sproat Lake Provincial Park on Sunday, June 8.
By April 10 the society had 16 of 18 spots filled for race day. By May 1 organizers were forced to expand the field and there will now be 21 teams vying for medals.
The day of races follows closely on the heels of the society's recent open house at Sproat Lake Landing, which offered people a chance to try paddling in a dragon boat as well as an outrigger canoe.
Spectators will be able to watch the races from the beach by the public boat launch at Sproat Lake Provincial Park. The event can be a colourful one, as many of the teams come with costumes.
There are two Alberni Valley-based dragon boat teams, the Die-Hard Dragons who practice every Monday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Wednesday 9:30-10:30 a.m. Their contact persons are Rossie Weaver at 250-724-7928 or Rita Mayo 250-724-1598.
The Sproat Ness Dragons practice times are Monday and Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and their contact is Lindy James at 250-731-7740.
