Dragon Boat partners hang up their paddles

The North Shore Dragon Boat Festival partners have officially
decided that they will not host the dragon boat festival in 2015.

“Decisions like this are never easy,” noted Karl Hansen with the North Shore Health Care Foundation, “and while we relished working together and engaging our community out on the water, we know this
is the right decision for all of us.”

The Dragon Boat Festival was launched in 2004. For eleven years the three partner nonprofits - WTIP Community Radio, North Shore Health Care Foundation and North House Folk School - made the most of an event dedicated to “paddling for community.”

“We hope all of our dedicated volunteers and business sponsors know how much we appreciated their involvement. Like so many things in this community, it is the people who stepped forward  that really made the difference,” said Debbie Benedict from WTIP.
Greg Wright of North House added, “Many of us will miss being out on the water and experiencing the joy of paddling with so many
great people.”

Different visions for the future of the event have been discussed and some brainstorming is still underway. Several downtown businesses, the Cook County Chamber of Commerce and other potential partners have helped explore these ideas. Creating a paddling event to replace the dragon boat festival is one idea under consideration. However, no specific plans are in place for 2015.