This year's edition of the long-running Penticton Dragon Boat Festival will bring more than 80 teams and 2,100 athletes to the Peach City this weekend.
Athletes from across Western Canada are coming to the community for the event, which returns to Skaha Lake on Sept. 6 and 7.
Hosted by the Penticton Paddle Sports Association, this will mark the 24th annual edition of the festival.
Teams will hit the water both days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Expect limited on-site parking and extra congestion at the park, city officials said in a media release. There will also be no day-use beach parking available and fewer than usual boat trailer spots by Skaha Lake.
Boaters are asked to consider using alternate launches in Kaleden and Okanagan, as a result.
The public is invited to join the action and cheer on the boats as they race this weekend. Food trucks, a vendors’ market, and a beverage garden will also be featured.
With limited parking expected, the city is encouraging residents to consider biking, walking, or taking public transportation to the event. The city's sustainability team will be on-site providing free bike valet service on both days at the venue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This marks the second Penticton Paddle Sports Association-hosted event in as many weeks.
Last weekend, on Aug. 31, the group welcomed more than 200 participants from across Canada for the 100-kilometre Ultra Distance Endurance Race. Fifteen teams were tasked with racing the length of Okanagan Lake, starting in Vernon at 7 a.m.
