Teams compete in 13th Annual Cornhole Tournament during Dragon Boat Festival

080324.N.BP.CORNYPRACTICES 5.jpg — Teams compete in the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival鈥檚 13th Annual Cornhole Tournament on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at the Paul and Babe waterfront.

By Charley Gilbert

August 02, 2024 at 11:44 AM

BEMIDJI 鈥� The Lake Bemidji waterfront was bustling with activity Thursday evening for the 13th annual cornhole tournament and team practices as part of the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival.

080324.N.BP.CORNYPRACTICES 1.jpg — A team heads out for a practice session on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, for the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival races.

Community members gathered under the large event tent to watch and compete in the cornhole tournament while enjoying food and taps from Bemidji Brewing and local food trucks.

080324.N.BP.CORNYPRACTICES 4.jpg — Teams compete in the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival鈥檚 13th Annual Cornhole Tournament on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, on the Lake Bemidji waterfront.

080324.N.BP.CORNYPRACTICES 3.jpg — Teams wait on the waterfront to practice on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, for the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival races.

Meanwhile, out on Lake Bemidji, teams practiced paddling for the upcoming dragon boat races. Participants in lifejackets created a sea of red on the grass as team members lined up to board their respective boats.

Some attendees took a break from the lively tent atmosphere and strolled over to the grassy hill in Library Park to watch the teams practice out on the water.

080324.N.BP.CORNYPRACTICES 2 USE THIS.jpg — A team heads out for a practice session on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, for the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival races.

Remaining Dragon Boat Festival activities

Friday, Aug. 2

Noon to 9 p.m. 鈥� Food court open.
Noon to midnight 鈥� Dragon's Den open: 50/50 raffle ticket sales.
3 to 5 p.m. 鈥� Practice sessions.
5 to 8 p.m. 鈥� Merchandise tent open.
6 p.m. 鈥� Seating open at the St. Michel Furniture Lakeside Lounge.
6 to 6:30 p.m. 鈥� Parade of teams and opening ceremony.
6:30 to 7 p.m. 鈥� Mandatory Sprint Cup team managers meeting.
7 to 8:30 p.m. 鈥� 11th annual Dondelinger Sprint Cup.
8:30 to 10:30 p.m. 鈥� Dragon's Den entertainment featuring Fun Pianos Dueling Piano Show.

Saturday, Aug. 3

8 to 9 a.m. 鈥� 5K walk/run.
9 to 9:30 a.m. 鈥� 1/2K walk/run.
8 to 10 a.m. 鈥� YPN race day breakfast and mimosa/bloody mary bar.
8 a.m. to midnight 鈥� Dragon's Den open: 50/50 raffle ticket sales.
8 a.m. 鈥� Seating open at the St. Michel Furniture Lakeside Lounge.
8:30 a.m. 鈥� Mandatory all team managers meeting.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 鈥� Merchandise tent open.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 鈥� Main race day: Awards ceremony following the finals.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 鈥� Food court open.
1 to 3 p.m. 鈥� Kids activity tent.
After the awards ceremony 鈥� Dragon's Den entertainment featuring Paint The Town.

All race times are tentative and subject to race-day circumstances. For more information, visit

080324.N.BP.CORNYPRACTICES 6.jpg — Teams compete in the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival鈥檚 13th Annual Cornhole Tournament on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, on the Lake Bemidji waterfront.

By Charley Gilbert

Charley is a multimedia reporter for the Bemidji Pioneer covering outdoor and human interests stories. She graduated from Bemidji State University in 2024 with a bachelor's in Communication Studies.

Raised in Ham Lake, Minnesota, she has always enjoyed being outside in nature, which is one of the many reasons why she has decided to stay in Bemidji. When she is not outside, she can be found learning new recipes, reading books and spending time with friends.

You can contact Charley at (218)-333-9798 or cgilbert@bemidjipioneer.com.