The 2011 Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival will feature intense competition, great performances and amazing food from vendors across the city. With over 100 teams slated to compete neck and neck at Marine Stadium in Long Beach, this year's festivities will be one of the largest in California. You don't have to be a competitor to drop by. The races will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and end at 6:00 p.m. On Sunday, the race begins at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude with a closing ceremony at 3:30 p.m.

Dragon Boat Festival History

Dragon boat racing originates from China. The festival actually commemorates the life and death of ancient poet Qu Yuan, who was a government official in the state of Chu. He was exiled for his reforms and eventually committed suicide by throwing himself into a river. The people of Chu rushed out in their fishing boats, beating drums and splashing water with their paddles to keep the fish and evil spirits from his body.

The act of searching for his boat in the boats eventually turned into the tradition of the Dragon Boat race, which is held every year on the day of his suicide.

How To Get There

5225 East Paoli Way,
Long Beach CA 90803.

The race will be held at Marine Park in Long Beach, California. The actual competition will begin at Marine Stadium. Visitors should go through Gate C, D, E and F. The Marine Stadium was actually the site for the 1993 Olympic Rowing competition and the 1968 Olympic rowing trials. The area is currently designated as an official state historic site.

Teams

There are over 100 teams competing at the race. With unique names like Team Panda and Water Ninjas, Long Beach is expected to be crowded with athletes from all over. There are even elementary to high school divisions. For college alumni, teams from USC, UCLA, UCSD and UC Berkeley will be there representing their schools.

Entertainment

The 2011 entertainment itinerary features Polynesian dancers, magic shows, martial arts demonstrations, dance performances and even an ice cream eating contest. Among the more alternative performance titles on the list are a balancing tea pot act, a juggling performance, "Kicking the Bowls & Interaction" and a Chinese Yo Yo show. Performances will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and end at 4:45 pm. On Sunday, performances will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 3:00 p.m.

Food Vendors

With catering options from Beach Hut, Italian Ice, and even Panda Express, the festival is offering a vast selection of food. Thai & Thai BBQ will be selling lunch box combo specials which include fried rice, chow mein and chicken sticks for $6. Zong-gzi, Chinese glutinous rice stuffed with fillings and wrapped in bamboo, will be sold for $3 courtesy of Beach Hut. Panda Express and Hibachi-San are even bringing in buffet meals for only $6. And for those who aren't as into Asian food, Rodolfo Armienta and Sophia's Kitchen will be offering pizza and taco options.