Paddles Up! Community and Club Teams Set to Compete in the Rowan Chamber’s 11th Annual Dragon Boat Festival
July 14, 2025
The competition is heating up as paddlers from across the region get ready to hit the waters of High Rock Lake for the Rowan Chamber’s 11th Annual Dragon Boat Festival.
From corporate teams and community groups to first-time paddlers and seasoned racers, this year’s lineup brings together teamwork and friendly competition. Teams will race in authentic 20-person dragon boats, paddling in rhythm to the beat of the onboard drummer, as they compete for medals and bragging rights.
The competing teams include:
- Anchors Up - sponsored by Anchor Downs Subdivision
- Charlotte Fury – club team from Charlotte, NC
- Charlotte Surge – club team from Charlotte, NC
- Fiber Dragons - sponsored by Hotwire Communications
- Freightliner Fury - sponsored by Daimler Trucks North America
- Front Liners - sponsored by Salisbury Police Department
- Gator Bites - sponsored by Piedmont Soccer Club and Cardinal Tire
- Golden Koi – club team from Sanford, NC
- Lake James Healing Dragons – club team from Morganton, NC
- Locklite Rowrights - sponsored by Henkel
- Pink Dragon Ladies – club team from Tampa Bay, FL
- Power Paddlers - sponsored by Power Curbers Companies
- Prison Emergency Response Team - sponsored by John Frick
- RDBC Relentless – club team from Raleigh, NC
- RoCo Young Professionals The Average Pros - sponsored by Cloninger Auto Group
- RoCo Young Professionals The Row Pros - sponsored by Johnson Concrete
- SRR Salisbury Rowan Runners – sponsored by Salisbury Rowan Runners running club
- Strokes of Genius - sponsored by F&M Bank
- Team Catawba College - sponsored by Catawba College
- The Griffinators - sponsored by New Sarum Brewing Company
- The Healing Dragons of Charlotte – club team from Charlotte, NC
- Trinity Oaks Dragon Slayers - sponsored by Trinity Oaks
- VAEA Thunder - sponsored by VA Employees Association
- Western Star Dragons sponsored by Daimler Trucks North America
Last year’s reigning community champions, Strokes of Genius, sponsored by F&M Bank, will be back on the water, eager to defend their title.
“We’re so excited to compete again this year and come together as a team,” said Lori Jordan, team captain of F&M Bank’s team, Strokes of Genius. “It’s all about having fun, working together, and celebrating our community.”
The Rowan Chamber invites the community to join in the festivities and cheer on their favorite teams.
“The Chamber is very appreciative of all our sponsors, teams, vendors, and volunteers. All the money raised goes toward our small business programs and services,” said Chamber President Elaine Spalding.
About the Festival
The 11th Annual Rowan Chamber Dragon Boat festival will take place on Saturday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Shrine Club on High Rock Lake, located at 6480 Long Ferry Road in Salisbury.
Recognized as the largest annual spectator event on High Rock Lake, the Dragon Boat Festival has become a true highlight on the Rowan County calendar. The event draws teams of paddlers, local businesses, families, and spectators from across the East Coast.
Guests can enjoy exciting dragon boat races, browse local vendor booths, grab a bite from food trucks, and take part in family-friendly activities throughout the day. More than 5,000 spectators attended last year’s event.
The Rowan Chamber Dragon Boat Festival is free to attend, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. No pets, coolers, or outside food are permitted. Parking is $10 per car, or $20 for preferred parking, with all proceeds benefiting the East Rowan football team. Boats are welcome to view from the main channel or can dock behind the Shrine Club to enjoy the food and festivities.
Book Your Stay in Rowan County
Coming from out of town? Make it a weekend getaway! When you book your overnight stay on VisitRowanCounty.com, you’ll receive 50% of your stay back in VISA e-Gift Card rewards. It’s the perfect chance to explore more of Rowan County and save while you stay. When booking on VisitRowanCounty.com, make sure to choose the “Summer Fun in Rowan County Stay & Play Package” deal.
Learn more about the festival at rowanchamber.com/dragon-boat-festival.