N.E.W. Dragon Boat Festival brings racing and culture to Oshkosh

OSHKOSH, WI – (WGBW & WISS) – The Dragon Boats are coming to Oshkosh. The N.E.W. Dragon Boat Festival will take to the Leach Amphitheater on Saturday, September 14th.

Fanni Xie, president of the N.E.W. Chinese Association, says the festival is more than just races, although they are a huge part of the event.

“Our difference is that it’s not only for the race. It’s not only for the sport of dragon boat. But it’s a multicultural event” said Xie. “We have the food experience with multicultural food. You’ll have the experience of watching the dragon boat race, and watching the performances. And most importantly, we’re having a family-friendly music festival.”

While the event will have multicultural foods from Asian, Mexican, Korean, and African cultures, exhibitors will also provide services and resources.

“Most importantly, it’s not only about the culture,”   “It’s about community coming together and community resources.”

N.E.W. Dragon Boat Festival Event Director Angie Lee said the mission of the event is to welcome newcomers to the region and promote belonging. 

“One of the big intentions of this festival is to increase social connectedness,” said Lee. “And have people feel like they are welcome in this region, in Oshkosh, and the surrounding area. And trying to help people feel like they belong here.”

Activities and schedule

The event will start at 8:00 with the Awakening the Dragon Ceremony. The opening ceremony will start at 10:00 a.m. Races will begin with qualifying at 8:40. There will also be a cancer awareness ceremony, and, of course, the award ceremony celebrating the winners.

Providing the backdrop to all the racing, rowing, and chanting are cultural performances:

• Dragon & Lion Dances
• Taiko Drum Performance
• Chinese Culture Performance
• Kung Fu Demonstration
• Hmong Dance Performance
• Polynesian Dance Performance
• Indian Dance Performance
• Southeast Asian Dance Performance

Following the day of racing, the Dragon Family Dance Party with DJ Sushi Lor will start at 5 pm. Xie said Lor is known for combining Asian and Western music for all to enjoy.

For a complete listing of events visit the N.E.W. Dragon Boat Festival website. There is no admission fee for the N.E.W. Dragon Boat Festival. It is free for the whole community.