Paddles Up, Spirits High
Celebrating the 2nd Annual AAPI Heritage & Dragon Boat Festival
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, White Rock Lake came alive as the 2nd Annual AAPI Heritage & Dragon Boat Festival returned to the historic Bath House Cultural Center. A collaborative effort between Dallas United Crew and the City of Dallas, the event was a vibrant convergence of competition, culture, and community. Teams from across Texas and Oklahoma gathered to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage through the centuries-old tradition of dragon boat racing. The festivities included an eye-dotting ceremony—an ancient Chinese ritual meant to awaken the spirit of each dragon boat.
For the second year, Dallas United Crew PINK proudly represented the global community of breast cancer survivor dragon boat teams, now numbering almost 400 worldwide. Battling unseasonably strong winds and choppy waters, DUC PINK showcased the healing power of community, movement, and shared strength. For survivors, dragon boating is more than a sport—it’s a way to reclaim their bodies, foster belonging, and inspire hope. Paddling side by side with others who understand the journey blends athletic challenge with emotional empowerment.
Beyond the races, the festival offered a rich cultural experience, featuring live performances, martial arts demonstrations, artisan vendors, and food from across the Asian heritage. Visitors explored traditional crafts, participated in Tai Chi sessions, and engaged with exhibits like “Becoming Texans, Becoming Americans,” which documented the diverse stories of AAPI communities in North Texas. Local NPR affiliate KERA provided in-depth coverage, spotlighting the coordination, rhythm, and heart that define dragon boating.
As Dallas United Crew continues to grow its dragon boat program, the festival has evolved into more than an annual event—it’s become a movement. With open invitations to new paddlers, corporate teams, and cultural partners, the organization is fostering a tradition rooted in heritage, resilience, and unity. In every synchronized stroke, DUC Dragon Boat programs, PINK and Delite, celebrate how community and tradition flow forward—together.
Dragon Boats take to the water at White Rock Lake in Dallas — and we ride along | KERA News