Although this issue of the Cook
County News-Herald
contains the schedule and information about the upcoming Fisherman’s Picnic, as I write this column we are on the eve of the North Shore Dragon Boat Festival in Grand Marais. If I appear a little confused at times, it’s because I’m always running a little bit ahead of myself.
Despite being in a newspaper issue limbo, I am very excited about the return of the Dragon Boat Festival. I enjoy watching the Parade of Teams, with its energetic participants clad in colorful matching T-shirts, marching down Wisconsin Street to Harbor Park for the opening of the festival. I’m looking forward to watching the long skinny boats racing in the harbor.
The Dragon Boat Festival is one of those events you get caught up in despite yourself. When I first heard of the Dragon Boat Festival, I thought it was the silliest idea I had ever heard. An Oriental-looking boat filled with folks of mainly Scandinavian heritage racing one another for nothing more than bragging rights? Why?
But then I thought how silly some of the Fisherman’s Picnic events are. Loon calling? Rock skipping? And the ultimate—Fish Toss? I guess a person paddling a dragon-headed boat isn’t so strange after all.
Now, after all these years, I’ve been completely won over. From the boisterous parade of teams and the ceremonial “waking of the dragon” to the launching of the dragon boats and the drums echoing across the water, I’m hooked. Watching Dragon Boat racing—and the characters that make up the teams—is just plain fun.
It’s also nice to have a reason to head down to the harbor. I’m like most people who live in Cook County. Days or weeks sometimes go by without the chance to take a walk on the beach. I do notice and appreciate the lake every day. Every time
turn off of County Road 7 to head down the hill into Grand Marais, that first glimpse of our bright blue bay gives me a moment of peace. I am so thankful to live where I do, just minutes from Lake Superior.
Unfortunately the feeling doesn’t last long as I get to the officeand get caught up in phone calls and e-mails and deadlines. I don’t take the time to just go and sit on the lakeshore as often as I should.
Thatis what is so wonderful about the Dragon Boat Festival or the Arts Festival or Fisherman’s Picnic or Rendezvous Days. Not only do they bring crowds and chaos, they push me out of my day-to-day routine. Theyforce me to spend some time on the shore.
Of course I’m still busy, taking pictures and getting names and recording the action. But I’m also enjoying the sunlight glistening off the water and the sound of the waves lapping the beach. And once in awhile in the midst of the pandemonium, I feel that sense of peace—and I am grateful.
The time to relax is
when you don’t have time for it.
Sydney J. Harris
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