Evansville’s Dragon Boat Festival launches from Hampton Inn Evansville, Indiana June 2011

May 19, 2011 - PRLog -- Midwest Dragon Boat Racing

Evansville’s Dragon Boat Festival   June 4, 2011

The Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu jíe), is an annual festival celebrated in China which made its Evansville, IN debut on Eagle Crest Lake in 2006.

The festival has its roots in ancient Chinese history. Qu Yuan, China’s first great poet lived at a time when various parts of China were at war with each other. Qu Yuan tried to provide advice to help his government. But, as legend has it, the king did not appreciate his advice, and with evil men twisting his words and making his situation worse, Qu Yuan was exiled from his homeland. When his homeland fell into enemy hands, his despair grew so deep that he threw himself into the Miluo River (in today’s Hunan province of China).

According to the ancient legend, the villagers, who loved Qu Yuan, ran to their dragon boats and raced to save him. But, unfortunately, they were too late.  Annual dragon boat races in China came to commemorate this valiant rescue attempt. The races were part of the Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the year.

This rich part of Chinese culture has been shared globally, and today dragon boat races are held in many cities around the world. Formerly called the Dragons on the Ohio the Evansville race has been renamed to Midwest Dragon Boat Racing.  The Midwest Dragon Boat Racing Festival support “Funk in the City”, an organization that raises funds for Haynie’s Corner Arts District.  There is also a breast cancer survivor ceremony to recognize and remember those affected by the disease.

Hampton Inn Evansville is a proud participant in this annual tradition.  The hotel is located on the shore of Eagle Crest Lake, an ideal spot if you’re one of the Dragon Boat Teams or a spectator to cheer on your favorite boat.

Enjoy the pageantry and thrill of the day long event after you’re free full buffet breakfast at Hampton Inn Evansville.  Then come back to your room to relax and experience your fully appointed room, free internet access, fitness center and pool!  Stay at Hampton Inn Evansville and make your Evansville Dragon Boat Festival experience a memorable one!

For Group rates for 5-25 rooms click below:
http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/groups.jhtml;js...

To sample the Travel Package Deals at Hampton Inn Evansville click below now:
http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/specials.jhtml;...

For more informaton on the Dragon Boat Races in Evansville Indiana click below:
http://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/content/EVVINHX/media/pdf...

For some Dragon Boat action click the You Tube Video below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV6KsuvNdZ8&feature=player_embedded



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Hampton Inn Evansville, Indiana near Mesker Park Zoo, Botanic Garden and Burdette Park and Evansville Museum Arts History Science. Visit Evansville for sporting events at Goebel Soccer Complex, Swonder Ice Arena and Roberts Stadium. Park Race Track.