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Let the drumroll begin! With a traditional eye-dotting ceremony on the shore and two colourful boats on the lake, the 20th Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York (HKDBF-NY) is ready to row!
The dragon boat festival, a Chinese tradition dating back more than 2,000 years, was first introduced to New York by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) in 1991. Celebrating its 20th year, the festival has become a fixture on the New York summer scene.
A "Dragon Boat Awakening Ceremony" press event, attended by major news media, including international news agencies, was held at New York City's Central Park yesterday (July 1, New York time).
Speaking at today's ceremony, Director of HKETONY, Miss Monica Chen, said, "It is fitting that HKETONY should have introduced the dragon boat race to New York since it was in Hong Kong that the race was first elevated into an international event."
It was in 1976 that modern competitive dragon boat racing was first started in Hong Kong. Since then, the race has grown into an international event and will be celebrating its 35th anniversary in mid-July.
Noting that this will be her last eye-dotting ceremony in the capacity of Director of HKETONY, Miss Chen said that she would be departing with pride. She said, "Even though I cannot see it myself, I know that the 20th HKDBF-NY will be the most successful ever. And I hope to see you all at the Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong!"
Joining Miss Chen at the ceremony were New York City Parks Commissioner, Mr Adrian Benepe, Chairman of the Host Committee of the 2010 Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York, Mr Henry Wan, and other dignitaries.
The "awakening ceremony" featured a ceremony by Buddhist monks to bless the dragon boats and bring prosperity and good fortune to New York City, followed by the "eye-dotting" of the dragon boats.
After the dragon had been "awakened", dignitaries got in two boats to hold a mini race. The colourful dragon boats, made specially for the 20th HKDBF-NY, were paddled into the lake, delighting spectators.
The 20th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York will be held on August 7 and 8 at Meadows Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The HKETONY is the principal festival benefactor for this year's festival. Every year, the HKETONY has a booth at the festival to update visitors on Hong Kong's latest developments. Brand Hong Kong souvenirs will also be given to those attending the festival.
Ends/Friday, July 2, 2010
Issued at HKT 12:25
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