歪歪漫画

BEMIDJI -- All 54 teams participating in the 14th Annual Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival were feeling the heat Saturday.

According to the National Weather Service, Bemidji reached a high of 88 degrees Saturday, with clear skies and plenty of sun for most of the day. But the heat didn't stop the strong competition or the large crowd of spectators from finding a spot on the hill along the waterfront to take in the race day events.

鈥淭his is a fantastic turnout today -- it is very hot,鈥� said organizing committee member Rosie Berg. 鈥淚t is fun to look out on the hill and see all the shade, that鈥檚 where all the people are.鈥�

Teams were split into two heats for challenge round races. After both rounds of races, the top teams were placed into a bronze, silver, gold and champion division for the dragon boat finals.

Food, beverages and entertainment were also available on the waterfront, at the Dragon鈥檚 Den. In fact, the festival announcer, Brian Bissonette of Paul Bunyan Communications, frequently reminded the crowd to keep hydrated and safe while they watched. Later on, he added that the festival had broken a record for water sales at the event.

Brenda Bailey, Dragon Boat volunteer coordinator, said the 14th annual event brought in about 170 volunteers, working to make sure the weekend went smoothly.

Berg said she loves to see the community take part in the event and looks forward to seeing what the organizations will do with the proceeds raised over the weekend and what benefit that will bring to the community.

鈥淚t is fun to put this on for the community, but when it comes down to it, it is a fundraiser for the chamber and others who help us put this on,鈥� Berg said.

The Dragon Boat Festival has become a tradition for many. For Berg, that tradition happens to be close to her heart. Not only does her family row on the Bemidji Rotary dragon boat, they also celebrate no matter their outcome.

鈥淢y favorite part is my family coming to town,鈥� Berg said. 鈥淢y daughter was born on dragon boat weekend, 12 years ago today -- my family comes to town every year to celebrate her birthday and that is my favorite piece.鈥�

Saturday鈥檚 race day events wrap up the weekend for the Dragon Boat Festival. Winners in all four final categories took home medals. There were also many non-racing awards given out throughout the day. Traveling trophies were given out to the best team in a variety of categories including banks, civic organizations, media teams and health teams.

"Overall, it's just a really fun day for the city," Bailey said.

1/9: Steersmen steady the dragon boats before a race on Saturday in the 14th Annual Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival. (Jillian Gandsey | Bemidji Pioneer)

2/9: Spectators watch races on the hill on Saturday during the 14th Annual Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival. (Jillian Gandsey | Bemidji Pioneer)

3/9: The Dragon Divas of St. Paul have a pre-race meeting on Saturday during the 14th Annual Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival. (Jillian Gandsey | Bemidji Pioneer)

4/9: Members of Oncers Away, from Sanford Health Joe Lueken Cancer Center, toss roses into the lake to commemorate those lost to cancer during the rose ceremony at the 14th Annual Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival. (Jillian Gandsey | Bemidji Pioneer)

5/9: Jean-Anne Watkins of the Prostate Paddlers high fives a Buena Vista Ski Patrol member after her team won the Gold Division on Saturday in the 14th Annual Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival. (Jillian Gandsey | Bemidji Pioneer)

6/9: Dragon boat teams cross the finish line of a race on Saturday in the 14th Annual Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival. (Jillian Gandsey | Bemidji Pioneer)

7/9: The Minn-E-Snowda Crushers, of the Bemidji Jaycees, won for Best Team Village in the 14th Annual Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival. (Jillian Gandsey | Bemidji Pioneer)

8/9: Dragon boat teams race in the second heat of the 14th Annual Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday. (Jillian Gandsey | Bemidji Pioneer)

9/9: The Dragon Slayers walk their boat back in after tipping toward the end of their first heat race on Saturday in the 14th Annual Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival. (Jillian Gandsey | Bemidji Pioneer)