Dragon Boat Festival returns to the Gulf Coast

The annual Dragon Boat Festival returned to Gulfport as part of a fundraising effort by United Way of South Mississippi and its partners.

Dragons, boats, dragon boats, and dragging boats — these are the things that make the Dragon Boat Festival what it is.

At the dock off Seaway Road, hundreds grouped up on the shore to experience the mighty comeback of United Way’s biggest fundraiser. Last year’s event was slightly abbreviated, with fewer people to a boat, and the year before was skipped entirely, all because of COVID.

One passerby told News 25 to note that the Sparklight team is top dog — and, well, she was right, as the team blew by the competition and came in first.

United Way CEO Kathy Springer was excited about the return to form. “You know, we’re overwhelmed with all of our friends and all of our partners that come out to support and trust us with their gifts and their talents, so we’re overjoyed today. And I think people were ready for a sunny day and a fun time.”

Leading up to the races, teams had the chance to get on the water for practice.

Victory requires a coordinated effort on the part of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a helmsman.

While it’s all in good fun, it’s also for a good cause. The proceeds raised at the free event benefits United Way’s effort to improve health, finance and education in Mississippi’s lower counties. It funds programs at the Boys & Girls Club, the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence and a slew of others. “We have the annual giving campaign, the workplace campaign, but this is an additional way for us to support our community, and you know, there’s nothing else like it. So, people love to come out.”