{"id":21,"date":"2025-03-25T01:10:17","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T01:10:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.raceontheriver.com\/?page_id=21"},"modified":"2026-07-21T11:55:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T11:55:33","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/new.raceontheriver.com\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Drums Beat July 17th & 18th, 2026<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating 23 Years of Race on the River<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Join us at the New Glasgow Riverfront for the Pictou County Dragon Boat Festival. Over 25 teams, 1,000+ paddlers, and thousands of spectators coming together for community, culture, and a brilliant cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Register a Team<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pledge & Donate<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Register to Paddle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gather 16 paddlers and 1 drummer. Corporate, small business, or friend groups are all welcome. No experience required! We provide the boat, the oars, and a professional coxswain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learn Team Rules \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Join the Spectators<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cheer from the George Street Bridge or the Samson Trail. Enjoy food trucks, live entertainment at the Glasgow Square outdoor theatre, and children’s activities all weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View Schedule \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Support the Cause<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every paddle stroke helps fund critical local organizations right here in our community. Pledge a paddler or donate directly online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Meet Our Charities \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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One Weekend. Two Days of Vibrant Energy.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The tranquil East River provides the perfect natural amphitheater for synchronous racing. Just one block from historic downtown New Glasgow, the festival fills both shores with day-long community celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friday Night Kickoff:<\/strong> The weekend begins with the ceremonial Awakening of the Dragon<\/strong>\u2014dotting the eyes of the dragon heads to wake them from their slumber\u2014followed by an old-fashioned Nova Scotia kitchen party at Glasgow Square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday Race Day:<\/strong> Non-stop, adrenaline-fueled heats running all day long. Grab a bite from local concessions, set up your lawn chairs along the riverside trail, and watch the community match pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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