Racing Through Pawtucket In Style: The Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival returns for the 20th year

Soon, 12 Taiwanese-style dragon boats will be speeding through Pawtucket’s Festival Pier. For this can’t-be-missed event, racers will operate artfully crafted Taiwanese-style fiberglass boats gifted from the Republic of China (Taiwan) and will vie for the cash prizes. Attendees can watch the fun from the sidelines and munch on food from local vendors and food trucks, or can even participate themselves in the amateur and corporate division, for those looking for team bonding and business promotion. 

The Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival, which will be returning on September 7 and is now in its 20th year, is an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy dragon boat races and cultural performances, and even gorge on savory dumplings in a dumpling eating contest. Brought to you by the annual Pawtucket Arts Festival, Taiwan Day is fun for the whole family and a terrific occasion to celebrate the rich arts and cultural communities in Pawtucket. For Anthony Ambrosino, the festival director, “One of the most exciting aspects of this job is giving a platform and a voice to Pawtucket artists and Pawtucket communities.”  

At the event, food appears to be a gateway to culture and tradition. Attendees can participate in the famed dumpling contest, where the male and female winner will each receive a ticket to Taiwan, thanks to China Airlines and EVA Air. But there will also be a beer garden, on behalf of Narragansett Beer, yo-yo performances, lion dancers, boat cruises through the Blackstone River Valley Historical Park via The Explorer, interactive performances and more. 

The Rhode Island Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival on September 7. For info, go to dragonboatri.com