In 2007, four area businesses and several community members came together and formed the Lure of the Dragons.
In support of its mission to improve the quality of life and future of children and youth in the region, Lake Lure Dragon Boat Racing, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public organization, has presented the Lure of the Dragons Race + Festival to raise money for local area childrens charities.
The four area businesses: Pinnacle Sotheby's International Realty, The Timken Company, Camp Lurecrest and The Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce each purchased one boat and the corresponding equipment including paddles and PFD's.
Since the inaugural event in 2008, the race and festival continues to grow, attracting teams and vendors from all over the Southeast.
Now entering it's 5th year, the Lure of the Dragons Race + Festival strives to continue its mission to provide a fun family event, raise awareness of Dragon Boat Racing and, most importantly, raise money for local area children's charities.
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| The 5th Annual Lure of the Dragons Race + Festival, usually held in May, will be moved to June 9th in 2012 in order to allow more teams from the Southeast to compete |
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| The inaugural festival saw 18 teams, 198 paddlers, over 2000 spectators and raised over $9,000 for local charities |
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| In 2010, the Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad added Dragon Boat Racing to their games |
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| Camp Lurecrest and the Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach Center are our two charitable partners. |
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