Please note that as directed by the Dragon Boat Festival organizers this event is open for Fully vaccinated or people who can show a Covid negative test result within 48 hours of the event. The Dragon Boat Festival is a casual and fun day filled with music, culture, art, food and dragon boat boat racing.  Join members of NYSN as we explore this fun day in Flushing Meadow Park.  Dragon Boat racing is from the Chinese culture and has been celebrated in Flushing Meadow Park for 30 years! (see below)

How it works:

• The group will meet at The Mets Willets Point Station at 11am sharp.  We will take the event shuttle to the festival from there.
• When you arrive at the festival you will be asked to show vaccination or covid negative test results.
• Our host will be the glue that hold the group together before you go out to explore on your own.
• We will get everyone together for lunch from any one of the food vendors that they will have there.
• After lunch we’ll check out the Dragon Boat races!
• You can stay as long or little as you would like.

Cost:  General Admission $15 /  Lifetime VIP Members $10: includes host fee only.  Festival admission is free.

DRAGON BOAT HISTORY

Dragon Boat racing is based on a legend of the ancient patriot-poet Qu Yuan who lived from 340-278 BC. He was a Court Minister who advocated reforms for his home state of Chu. The King of Chu, however, disliked him for it and banished him from the state.

In exile, he wandered the country writing poetry expressing his concerns for his homeland and its people. In 278 BC when Qu Yuan heard that his home had been invaded, he jumped into the Ni Lo River and drowned himself.

Legend has it that local fishermen raced out to the river to save him, but couldn’t. To prevent his body from being eaten by the fish, they threw rice dumplings into the water as an offering to his heroic spirit. This was the beginning of Dragon Boat Racing.

Today, rice dumplings are eaten on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, which is commemorated each year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Four days before the festival begins, the dragon boats are taken from their resting places and their heads and tails attached. They are then ritually blessed by a Buddhist monk and later brought to life before the races by having their eyes dotted in red paint.

In Hong Kong, it is the fishermen of the territory’s outlying islands such as Lantau, Lamma, and Cheung Chau, who observe these rituals. After the races, it is customary to spend the remainder of the day observing street theater, traditional Chinese dance performances, martial arts and other cultural demonstrations.

COVID-19 Protocols: Mixed Group

• This event is open to vaccinated and non vaccinated members who can show proof of a Covid negative test from within 48 hours of the event.
• If there is a mix of vaccinated and non vaccinated participants we will ask that masks are worn while in close proximity to others or in accordance with the regulations and guidelines of the venue or location of the event.
• In some cases we may separate the group for portions of the event so that those who are vaccinated can enjoy a mask-less experience.

Can I come alone?  Yes, 98% of those attending this event normally register on their own. You are welcome to bring as many nonmember guests, friends & coworkers as you’d like, just make sure to register for the number of people that you want below. Our staff will be ready to greet you and introduce you to others whether you are on your own or with guests.

Do I need a ticket? It is always best to print out the ticket confirmation or save it on your devices as proof of purchase especially if you have purchased your ticket on the same day as the event..  

Dress Code:  Dress for the weather

How will I find the group?  We will send you a confirmation email with exact locations, contact info and names of those who are hosting the event when you register. We will send follow up emails as we get closer, usually the night before or morning of.

Ages: 21+  Most of our events attract people in their 20s to 40s although some events can skew younger or older (50s) depending on the event. Some events are clearly age specific as indicated.   If this is an issue for you contact Dave at the address below and we can usually give you a very accurate idea of what to expect.

Who comes to these? Our activities attract NY professionals from all backgrounds and professions who are looking to expand their social circles.  You will also find others who are looking to learn something, network for business, try something they have never done before or enjoy something they love doing but can’t get their friends to do. There may also be some people looking to find that someone special who share a passion for the same activities, but please don’t make this the sole reason you come out.

Questions?  If you want to know how many people are coming, what the ages are likely to be, the gender breakdown or the overall vibe of the event before you register, contact Dave Cervini at dave@newyorksocialnetwork.com or call 212-873-2256.

What if the weather impacts the event?  We will determine if the event will happen about 24 hours prior to the start.  You will be notified as soon as we know.  We usually send updates as well

This event is nonrefundable unless the event is canceled or rescheduled.

By registering for this event you take full responsibilities for your actions and agree to conduct yourself accordingly.