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 2025 ceremony
We gathered on Saturday, May 17, to awaken the dragon and officially kick off the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club’s 2025 season.
Kate Horne, the club secretary, welcomed attendees. U.S. Representative Sarah Elfreth and Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley provided remarks.
Jennifer A. Schneider, MS, RN, Director of the Bureau of Disease Prevention and Management at the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, delivered a heartwarming speech about breast cancer and the benefits of dragon boating.
May 2024 ceremony
We gathered 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, welcomed attendees. State Senator Sarah Elfreth, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, and ADBC founder Mike Ashford also provided remarks.
Member Bernadette Grizzell read a poignant poem, Here, in this Boat, by Maggie Benshaw, Poet Laureate for the City of Annapolis.
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, welcomed attendees to the ceremony. 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.
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.