Dragons have the power to cause rain to fall.
Across the world, dragon boat teams hold an annual celebration to awaken the dragon. This ceremony averts misfortune and encourages rainfall, which is needed for the fertility of crops during the summer growing season. And it protects people from evil and disease for the rest of the year.
The Awakening the Dragon ceremony traditionally involves a dignitary dotting the dragon’s protruding eyes to end its slumber.
The Annapolis Dragon Boat Club holds its Awakening the Dragon ceremony every May.
May 2024 ceremony
We will gather on Saturday, May 4, to awaken the dragon and officially kick off the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club’s 2024 season.
Barb Witten, the club chairwoman, will welcome attendees. We’ve also invited ADBC founder Mike Ashford, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, Senator Sarah Elfreth, and First Lady of Maryland Dawn Moore to provide remarks.
Please join us on May 4 for this heartwarming day.
May 2023 ceremony
We gathered on Saturday, May 27, to awaken the dragon and officially kick off the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club’s 2023 season.
Joni Krafft, chairwoman of the club, kicked off the ceremony by welcoming attendees. Then, coach Barbara Van de Castle, DNP, OCN Emeritus, RN-BC, spoke briefly about breast cancer and the benefits of dragon boating.
Senator Sarah Elfreth and the Club’s founder, Mike Ashford, painted the dragons’ eyes. Member Pat Holle read a poignant poem, To our becoming.
And there wasn’t a dry eye on the pier during the pink carnation ceremony to honor the members and supporters we’ve lost to cancer. They’re gone but not forgotten.
Special appreciation to the Eastport Civic Association for sponsoring and supporting our 2023 Awaken the Dragon Ceremony.
Community support — and awareness of the benefits of dragon boating for breast cancer warriors — makes us all stronger. We are thankful to call Eastport our home, and we hope to celebrate again with you next year.