The Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival began in 1993 and has since grown to be North America’s largest. This year marks the 16th annual event and they're happy to be represented by Ottawa’s three largest media groups: CTV, CHUM & The Ottawa Citizen. It's a non-profit festival with free admission for spectators which is held at Mooney’s Bay Park on Riverside Drive in Ottawa.

Every year over 65,000 people attend during the 3 days and their experience is made enjoyable by some 400 volunteers. To help create a fun and festive atmosphere, festival organizers bring the best in multicultural live music, cultural presentations and ceremonial activities to Money's bay.

With over 190 teams, a whopping 5000 paddlers from all over Canada, there's a new set of racers on the starting line every 9 minutes vying for one of the 15 challenge cups, including the prestigious Breast Cancer Survior Challenge.

In previous years the dedicated paddlers of the Ottawa Dragon Boat festival have raised over $1,500,000 for 20 local charities which is managed through the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation.

The fundraising goal for 2009 is $300,000, a number that's easily reachable with your help!