Dragon Boat Race & Festival coming to East Lake Park

Mitchell’s Place, a nonprofit serving children affected by autism spectrum disorder, will host a unique fundraiser — Birmingham’s inaugural Dragon Boat Race & Festival — at East Lake Park on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dating back 2,300 years, dragon boat racing involves teams of 21 people rowing 46-foot-long Hong Kong-style boats.

The purpose “is to spread awareness about autism, including the warning signs, and help breathe some life back into East Lake Park,” said Macy Vintson, the nonprofit’s director of advancement.

Dragon boat races are also held in Mobile, Montgomery and Gadsden, according to Vintson.

Nancy and Allen Meisler, who founded Mitchell’s Place, got the idea for the event after attending the Mobile race, Vintson said.

The competitors includes a variety of corporate and community teams, according to Vintson. “You have law offices racing against churches and hair salons,” she said. There will be about 20 teams competing at East Lake. 

The festival will have a kid’s area and about 15 local vendors offering food, beverage, art and other merchandise. 

Admission is free. Proceeds will come from entry fees, sponsorships, vendor registrations and other donations.

Team entries are due Aug. 1. For more information, go to mpdragonboats.com.