Decatur, Ala. – The scenic shores of Lake Guntersville will come to life with the beat of drums and the splash of paddles as the Scottsboro Dragon Boat Race and Festival returns for the second year on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Hosted at Goose Pond Colony Marina and Resort, this high-energy event invites community teams, businesses and spectators to come together for a day of fun, teamwork and friendly competition — all for a good cause.

The Dragon Boat Race and Festival brings an unforgettable cultural experience to Northeast Alabama. Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steerer will race 46-foot-long traditional dragon boats across the water in an exciting display of coordination and spirit. Prizes will be awarded for different categories such as race winners, best-dressed drummer, best-decked tent, best team t-shirt, best team name, best team spirit and the dragon tail (the team that comes in last).

The free event is open to the public, and attendees can expect food trucks, music, kids’ activities, and a festival-like atmosphere on the waterfront. The action gets underway at 8:30 a.m. with an opening ceremony and wraps up following the final race which will take place around 4 p.m. As teams compete, spectators may watch in front of the Dock’s Restaurant overlooking the dock, the lake area at the Scottsboro Goose Pond Colony Resort or from the water in the authorized viewing area.

The event benefits two non-profits: Highlands Hospital Foundation and Nourish One Child. The Foundation will use proceeds to purchase new operating room stretchers and Nourish One Child will use funds to buy and distribute healthy food in the bags of food sent home each weekend to 450 children who are food insecure.

Over 3,000 people attended the inaugural year to see 21 teams paddle for the winner’s trophy. This year 34 boats are expected to via for the award.

Dragon boat racing is a unique cultural event featuring adrenaline-pumping action. Teams, comprised of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a trained dragon boat steerer/coach, will race in authentic 46-foot long Hong Kong style dragon boats. Teams may have four alternates, for a total of 25 team members, or can race with a minimum of 16. There must be at least eight female paddlers and minimum age for adult teams is 15 with parental consent. All skill levels and physiques can participate, making it the ultimate team building sport, requiring synchronicity and finesse, more than power to win. Each team is guaranteed at least two races on the 250-meter race course with winners advancing to the finals.

For more information, visit https://www.scottsborodragonboatraces.com/ or contact Mary K Carlton at marykcarlton@yahoo.com.