Sunday
December 3, 2023 
The Lambertville vs New Hope Paddle Battle Dragon Boat Race is back for a third year, Friday, June 14.
Starting at approximately 5:30 p.m., the race is designed to showcase water activities on the Delaware River and honor the police, fire and EMT/rescue from both sides of the river. Dragon Boats are 42-feet long with 20 paddlers, a Steers and Drummer to beat cadence to help the paddlers with timing.
The Imbue Creative/Lambertville Dragon Boat will be led by Lambertville’s new mayor, Julia Fahl, and will challenge New Hope’s mayor, Larry Keller, on board the Logan Inn/New Hope boat. New Hope won the first challenge in 2016, with Lambertville gaining a win in 2017.
The evening will include races by the Swan Creek rowers, between the Dragon Boat heats. SPLASH steamboat will again assist with the event, as will the emergency medical team’s rescue fan boat. The race will be covered live on internet radio, PA NJ Radio.
Viewing and after party will be at the new Deck Restaurant and Bar, which is part of the Bucks County Playhouse. The Deck party will feature a post-race toast and a special Dragon drink.
The starting line will be just above the New Hope Lambertville Bridge and the race will finish near the Playhouse. Come out and cheer on your favorite town with great vantage points on the New Hope/Lambertville Bridge, Lambertville Station parking lot, the River Walk near the Playhouse or anywhere south of the bridge along the river.
Sponsors of the race are Imbue Creative and the Logan Inn; the race will benefit Fisherman’s Mark and Friends of the Delaware Canal. Sponsors and donations in any amount to these or other local charities are encouraged.
Checks should be made out to the charity directly, noted it’s for the Paddle Battle and mailed to: Fisherman’s Mark – 37 South Main St., Lambertville, NJ 08530 or Friends of the Delaware Canal - 145 S. Main St., New Hope, PA 18938.
The race is co-produced by Laurie McHugh and Laura Kent of Dragon Boat Adventures and Stephen Harris from Amplify Your Voice, marketing services for local business.
