Dragon Boat Racing will return to Syracuse’s Inner Harbor this September

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Clear your schedule, it’s back!

For its second year, the two-day Syracuse Inner Harbor Fest will be brought back to the community.

This year’s event, hosted by COR Development Company in partnership with Empower Federal Credit Union, Equitable Advisors, and Limp Lizard, will not only support Clear Path for Veterans but also The Baldwin Fund, which is dedicated to funding breast cancer research, according to COR.

The festival’s hit, the Dragon Boat Races — which are made up of teams from local businesses, community groups and competitive paddlers — will not only offer a fun time but a return back into the community. All proceeds from the event benefit Clear Path for Veterans and The Baldwin Fund, helping to support veterans and fund crucial breast cancer research.

COR says this year, the competition is heating up as local companies, like Ashley McGraw Architects, Luck Grove Telecom, and Renewal by Andersen, have already registered their teams.

There is still time to compete against those businesses.

Why Participate? This event is more than just a race. It’s an opportunity to:

• Build Team Spirit: Whether you’re a local business looking for a unique team-building activity or a group of friends seeking an exciting challenge, dragon boat racing is a fantastic way to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
• Increase Visibility: Participating in the festival is a powerful way for companies to increase their community presence and show their support for vital causes.

For those who may not know, dragon boat racing is a tradition where teams of 10 to 20 paddlers come together in ornately decorated boars — both with a dragon head and tail — and race across a 180-meter course.

Teams can participate in a racing how-to seminar and a 1-hour practice session during the week leading up to the race, ensuring everyone is prepared for the big day, said COR.

Want to find ways to participate?

• JOIN A TEAM – Gather your coworkers, friends, or family and register your team for the 2024 Syracuse Inner Harbor Dragon Boat Festival, where novice, intermediate, and competitive teams alike can enjoy a day of fun, friendly competition, and team building on the water.”
• BECOME A SPONSOR – Increase company exposure to hundreds of event participants and spectators of all ages and help raise money for Clear Path for Veterans and The Baldwin Fund. See detailed information in the Sponsorship Package.
• VOLUNTEER – Our volunteers are critical to running a seamless event to ensure all participants have the best experience possible.
• BE A SPECTATOR – Come down to the Inner Harbor and enjoy the races, live music, food trucks, and more.
• VENDORS ARE WELCOME – Vendors are encouraged to participate so they can help build their brand while supporting the event.

Syracuse Inner Harbor Fest is located at 425 Solar Street, and has a fun schedule over the course of its two days.

Friday, September 27

4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

• Dragon Boat Eye Dotting Ceremony
• Live Music
• Fireworks
• Local Craft & Art Vendors
• Carnival Rides & Games
• Food Trucks & Local Craft Breweries

Saturday, September 28

8:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

• Opening Ceremonies
• Dragon Boat Races On The Water
• Dragon Boat Rose Ceremony: Celebrating breast cancer survivors, offering hope, and honoring those who have passed
• Live Music
• Local Craft & Art Vendors
• Carnival Rides & Games
• Food Trucks & Local Craft Breweries

For more information about the festival at the Syracuse Inner Harbor, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.