Wacky DragonBoat race raises money for serious cause

In February 2012, Nancy Frigon's life took an unexpected turn.

She was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Three years later, the 49-year-old teacher at Broad River Elementary School has made a full recovery since her diagnosis, and she credits DragonBoat Beaufort for its help and support during her battle with the disease.

"They are a wonderful group of people," Frigon said about the nonprofit organization that raises money by racing large, elaborately decorated rowing vessels.

"They are all people who I consider close friends and are a great addition to my life."

On Saturday, those people who have meant so much to her will glide across the 250-meter course in their dragon boats at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park seawall. The paddlers and drummers will stroke to win the lighthearted competition for a serious cause. Frigon chairs the organization's membership committee and will tell her cancer-survival story at the third annual Beaufort Water Festival DragonBoat Race.Aside from the financial support, the nonprofit organization also provided Frigon and many other cancer patients with friendship and moral support.

"We don't just sit around and talk about cancer. We talk about our lives, and focus on positivity," she said. "Whether it was a supportive note in the mail or a friendly visit, (they were there)."

The race begins with an opening ceremony at 8 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. with performances and entertainment.

Here are five things you need to know about the third annual Water Festival DragonBoat Race:

3 HEATS OF RACES

This year, 34 teams are participating in the boat races. Each team has 20 paddlers, one drummer and a steersperson.

The teams are compiled of local volunteers and organizations, including Sun City, Beaufort Memorial Hospital and Hilton Head Hospital.

The event will be split into three heats of races, with four boats racing at a time. The first heat is at 8:30 a.m., the second at 10:30 a.m., and the third at 1:15 p.m.

WACKY ATTIRE

As if the 42-foot-long multicolored dragon boats aren't eye-catching enough, the costumes are always a sight to see.

Hula skirts, clown hats and oversized glasses are sure to be donned by the drummers and paddlers in hopes of winning some unique awards.

HONORING CANCER SURVIVORS

Immediately following the second heat of races at 12:30 p.m., the Sweet Grass Angels three-part harmony group will perform during the Carnation Ceremony.

The ceremony honors all cancer survivors and their families and also remembers those who lost their lives to the disease.

About 250 carnations will be passed out, which can be placed in the river in memory of the lives lost.

SUPPORT FOR THE CAUSE

Aside from the costumes and musical performances, the event will serve as a fundraiser for DragonBoat Beaufort's support for cancer patients and their caregivers.

All of the money raised by the teams will provide cancer patients with financial support for medical bills and provide cancer survivors with after care, including physical and psychological healing.

Many cancer survivors are the top fundraisers for the event each year, as well as competitors in the boat races.

HOW TO JOIN A TEAM

It's not too late to join the fun. Anyone can register a team or join a team at www.dragonboat-raceday.com.

No experience is required, but you must have 20 paddlers, one drummer and three to four alternatives to form a team.

All team members must be at least 16 years old.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 3:44 PM with the headline "Wacky DragonBoat race raises money for serious cause."