In December, the North Shore Dragon Boat partners— WTIP Community Radio, North Shore Health Care Foundation, and North House Folk School— announced that they may no longer take the helm of the North Shore Dragon Boat Festival. Organizers said they hoped someone else would “pick up the paddle” and host the event. To date no one has officially come forward, but on December 21, the festival partners officially announced that they would not be hosting the event in 2015.
“Decisions like this are never easy,” noted Karl Hansen of the North Shore Health Care Foundation, “and while we relished working together and engaging our community out on the water, we know this is the right decision for all of us.”
The Dragon Boat Festival was launched in 2004. For 11 years the three partner nonprofits made the most of an event dedicated to “paddling for community” and the joy of summer on the North Shore.
“We hope all of our dedicated volunteers and business sponsors know how much we appreciated their involvement. Like so many things in this community, it is the people who stepped forward that really made the difference,” said Debbie Benedict of WTIP Community Radio.
“Many of us will miss being out on the water and experiencing the joy of paddling with so many great people,” commented Greg Wright at North House Folk School. “The event’s focus on the water and the way it brought friends from near and far together for a day on the harbor was a joy. I will miss it.”
Different visions for the future of the event have been discussed and some brainstorming is still under way. Several downtown businesses, the Cook County Chamber of Commerce and other potential partners have helped explore these ideas. Creating a paddling event to replace the dragon boat festival is one idea under consideration. However, at present, no specific plans are in place for 2015.
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