04/27/2026
Paddles Up: A Day of Strength, Spirit, and Celebration at the Lake James Dragon Boat Festival
September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene brings devastation to the mountains of North Carolina, forcing the cancellation of our 2024 Dragon Boat Festival. Eighteen months later, on April 25, 2026, the long-awaited race arrived on a beautiful spring day at Lake James, North Carolina. Sixteen teams both local and across the region gathered with full hearts and paddles ready.
Months of planning and preparation led to an early start at 6 a.m. at Paddy’s Creek. The air buzzed with purpose as members of the Lake James Healing Dragons, UNC Health Blue Ridge, and Lake James State Park rolled up their sleeves for final preparations. Darkness gave way to sunrise and then full daylight. The first race launched at 9 a.m., and the weather delivered a perfect, dry day, holding off the rain until the final race and awards were complete. Showers began only after everyone had packed up and was ready to leave.
The Lake James Healing Dragons brought special energy with two teams: the Cancer Survivor Boat and Dragon My Butt. That meant 40 Dragonistas, plus their families and friends. For nine paddlers, this was their inaugural race. A special thanks to the following team sponsors: Engel & Volkners, Body Wide Wellness, and Cottonwood Development.
But this wasn’t just another race day, it was a powerful reminder of life after cancer and the joy that still awaits. Tents and chairs lined the beach, and upbeat music from the DJ filled the air throughout the event. There was even a special request for a line dance with many team members and attendees joining in. Children’s laughter rang out as they played in the water and built sandcastles. Spectators crowded the shore, cameras ready, anxiously waiting for the starting horn. Some races featured the buzz of a drone capturing aerial footage.
The most moving moment came during the Survivors Race, featuring four teams: Lake James Healing Dragons (bringing home Bronze), Healing Dragons Charlotte (our sister team), Chemo Kazes, and Blue Ridge Dragons. First-timers watching from the beach were in awe. “There was no one in their seat nor a dry eye on that beach,” they shared. “It was such a powerful moment and a privilege to witness. We will now look forward to it EACH AND EVERY YEAR!” Their words captured what so many felt: raw emotion, loud cheers, and overwhelming pride for every survivor gliding across the water.
Margaret D. from Lake James Healing Dragons addressed the crowd, sharing how her first, repeat, first mammogram detected an anomaly that led to her cancer diagnosis. More than two decades later, her survival stands as a testament to the importance of regular screenings. Joining the team, she said, has brought new meaning to her life. Her lovely home, visible from across the lake and decorated in pink by her family, honors that journey. UNC Health Blue Ridge CEO Gary Paxson, attending his first-ever dragon boat festival, was honored to be part of such an impressive event and worthy cause. One visiting team lost one of their own to cancer in the past year and made it clear that this festival was a calendar priority. They rearranged schedules to attend, calling the Lake James Dragon Boat Festival their favorite and a true inspiration. They hope to bottle the same spirit that flows so freely among our Dragonistas.
A huge thank you to every Dragon who climbed into those boats, whether it was your first time or a seasoned paddler, you showed our corner of the world that cancer does not get the final word. With every paddle stroke you raise awareness and prove that life after cancer can be loud, fun, colorful, and fiercely joyful. As one Dragonista put it: “Seeing that there is fun life after breast cancer is priceless.” We also paused to remember and honor every warrior we’ve lost to cancer. Their courage fuels us. Their memory lifts every boat.
Heartfelt thanks go out to every volunteer, organizer, park staff member, and dragon boat team who poured their energy into making this rescheduled event truly special. From sunrise setups to post-race celebrations, your hard work created an unforgettable day. The boats may have stopped racing, but the momentum is not stopping. Teams are already planning their return next year.
The community is growing and energy is building. So here’s to all our Dragonistas, past, present, and future. Keep paddling with heart. Keep laughing loud. Keep showing the world what strength, survival, sisterhood (and brotherhood!) really look like. We can’t wait to do it all again next year at Lake James, where healing meets paddle power, tears mix with cheers, and every dragon proves that hope floats.
Paddles up! Leave your worries on the dock, and we’ll see you on the water.
Pictures and Videos: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NNmKVXYdn/
