For several years, under several different names, the members of Showboat have pledged and paddled in the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival.

Sponsored by the Earl of Sussex pub, Showboat consists of 20 paddlers, a few alternates, a steersperson and a drummer. This dynamic Dragon Boat team draws a lot of attention, year after year, as the whole day is spent in themed costumes.

The team leadership is appointed or elected by the team at the beginning of the season. They are responsible for directing the team's fundraising activities in addition to race-day administration.

The vast majority of the 190 teams attending the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival are there for competitive reasons, paddling in various heats in a quest for medals. Others (e.g., breast cancer survivors) participate to raise community awareness. Showboat concentrates on fundraising activities throughout the year to support charities that benefit from the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation.

All funds raised throughout the year are directed to the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation. The 2008 recipients are mentioned above.

Each paddler on the team is asked to solicit personal pledges to achieve a goal pre-determined by the team. Last year, each paddler was asked to raise $150. Personal pledges account for approximately 40 - 50 % of the total donations the team raises every year. The remainder is raised through several fundraising events and through private sponsors. Showboat events typically include, but are not limited to, hosted pub nights at the Earl of Sussex and comedy evenings at Absolute Comedy.

Drawing from the immense talent that exists in the community, events at the Earl of Sussex always include live acts. Thanks to the generosity of many Showboat supporters, there are always plenty of door prizes, samples and giveaways at each event. Through these efforts, the team has raised considerable funds. In 2005 the team raised $5,459.85, in 2006 $5,983.00, in 2007 $10,054.00 and most recently in 2008 an impressive $10,839.15.

For the past three years, the team has been recognized by the Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival through the Team Spirit Cup award.