Pineville’s picturesque Lake Buhlow was the scene of intense nautical competition as 22 teams from area businesses, hospitals, colleges, high schools and churches spent May 2 vying for bragging rights at the Annual Dragon Boat races sponsored by the Alexandria Museum of Art. This popular event, first held in 2010, has rapidly become an area-wide favorite, growing each year.

Dragon Boat Races are a competition in which teams of paddlers, often in themed costumes, race their boats to the beat of a drummer. Each boat has a dragon head at the prow. On the morning of the race, each team paints the eyes of their boat’s dragon in order to awaken it.

The Dragon Boat Races are a true community effort. The Museum’s staff was assisted by a contingent of community volunteers, including a group of 12 sharp cadets from the Louisiana Army National Guard’s Youth Challenge. This year also marked another first, as the “Rowing Rebels” of Pineville High School joined Alexandria Senior High’s Marine Corps JROTC and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 

While the Dragon Boat Races are quite a bit of fun, the event has a serious purpose. It is the signature fundraiser for the Alexandria Museum of Art. This year’s race is expected to bring in over $25,000.00 to help fund the museum’s operations. The Alexandria Museum of Art is an integral part of Central Louisiana’s cultural and educational scene and one of the many things that make our city special.