Manayunk Dragon Boat Team launches new boats to replace those lost last Fall

Every dragon boat festival in the world honors its roots - especially through one crucial ceremony that must take place before the first boat's paddles slip into the water. It culminates with the eye-dotting ceremony when the spirit of the dragon is "awakened." Guests take brushes in hand, dip them in pots of red cinnabar paint and then dab the eyes on the "blind" figurehead of each dragon boat.

On Tuesday, June 29, the Manayunk Dragon Boat Racing Team and the Team USA Dragon Boat Team launched four new 10 man boats and a 20 man boat, replacing those lost in last September's flash flood, when the Schuylkill River rose over 35 feet.

Teens from North Light Community Center's Urban Sustainability Leadership Academy manned the boats for their maiden voyage.

See pictures from the event HERE.