Dragon Boat Charleston (DBC) is a local nonprofit created in 2003 that serves more than 150 cancer survivors and community members in the Lowcountry. The group’s mission is to“ promote physical and mental wellness among cancer survivors and their community through dragon boating.”

Throughout the year, DBC offers recreational and competitive paddling, wellness and nutrition, and outreach programs.

Each May, DBC’s premiere event, The Charleston Dragon Boat Festival provides a full day of fun.

We're digging this participant's hat. | Photo by James Hahn

Activities include:

Dragon boat racing
Survivors’ celebration
Costumes and entertainment
Food trucks
Awards

More about the event's signature race:

Teams are made up of 20 paddlers and a drummer. Leading up to the event, DCB provides two practices and professional steerers for each boat.

The teams battle it out, two by two, and awards are given to top fundraisers, winning teams, and teams with the best spirit.

This year's event:

In its 15th year, this year's festival will take place this Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brittlebank Park (185 Lockwood Dr.). Although the registration to participate in the race is closed, you can still come out, enjoy the festival, and support this great cause. The festival is free to attend.

Author Roger Jones will be in attendance to sign copies of his newly released book, "The Final Victory," inspired by true events while paddling with Dragon Boat Charleston’s all-cancer survivor team that won, against great odds, the 2010 national championship.