Published February 26, 2025
MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) and The Children’s Coalition for Northeast
Louisiana announced the date and new location of the annual Dragon Boat Festival at
a press conference on the ULM campus. The 2025 festival will take place on Saturday,
April 12, on Bayou DeSiard on the ULM campus, near the Warhawk Way bridge and ULM’s
Laird Weems Center.
The Dragon Boat Festival is an exciting and family-friendly fundraising event for
the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana. Proceeds from the event support children
and families in Northeast Louisiana through services that address critical issues
and raise the level of care and support for children 0-18 in our region.
Approximately 500 rowers will compete for the fastest time and bragging rights at
the Children’s Coalition Dragon Boat Festival. Through a partnership with ULM and
the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), the Dragon Boat Festival continues
to provide a place for northeast Louisiana to gather for a cherished community-building
event and provide exposure to the beautiful campuses and the dedicated staff of ULM
and VCOM.
“Through community events like this and fundraising efforts, it’s the hope of the
Children’s Coalition to create a stronger, more empowered community that will bring
prosperity to Northeast Louisiana,” says Brittany McNamara, Development Director for
the Children’s Coalition.
It is believed dragon boat races have been held annually for over 2,000 years and
originated in Southern China. It is rooted in an ancient folk ritual of contending
villagers; but it is now an international sport. A traditional dragon boat has a decorative
dragon head and tail.
“It is truly an exciting and invigorating day where businesses and schools come together
and do something so fun that benefits so many lives,” said Lisa Miller, ULM Vice President
for Enrollment Management and University Relations. ULM will also host a campus visit
day on April 12 for prospective students. “We want them to see the energy and collaboration
between the community and the university,” added Miller.
Teams will race in authentic 40-foot-long Chinese dragon boats, each equipped with
20 rowers, a drummer, and a professional. Competitions will be held in various categories,
including the Premier Cup, Biz Cup, Health Cup, and Youth Cup, with a grand prize
for the overall winner.
Participants include corporate and local businesses, fitness groups, colleges, and
schools. Teams are encouraged to include rowers of diverse ages (12+), athletic abilities,
and genders. Embracing inclusiveness can strengthen your dragon boat team’s composition
for the races. One of the greatest benefits for organizations or businesses participating
is the opportunity to gain valuable team-building experience and skills.
The Children’s Coalition extends its gratitude to the 2025 Premier Sponsors, including
ULM, VCOM, Choice Brands, Homeland Bank, Marsala Beverage, and all sponsors for their
continued support.
Schedule of Activities:
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9:30 AM: Opening Ceremonies
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10:00 AM: First Race Begins
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4:00 PM: Final Race (estimated)
In addition to Saturday's races, spectators can enjoy food from local food trucks
and restaurants while cheering on their favorite teams. Spectators and teams are encouraged
to bring chairs, blankets, sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas as they line the banks of
the bayou. Strollers and ice chests are permitted. Please note that glass, grills,
motorized vehicles, pets (excluding service animals), and political signs are not
allowed on the festival grounds.
Free parking is available on the ULM campus at Stubbs Hall on DeSiard St. or Strauss
Hall/ULM Library on Bayou Drive.
Race day is open to the public, and while no entry fee is required, donations of any
amount to support the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana are encouraged.
For more information and to sign up as a member, visit childrenscoalition.org or call (318) 323-8775. Follow the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana on
Facebook and Instagram.
About the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana:
The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is a community based 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization founded in 1998 with the mission to create “communities where children
and families thrive.” The Coalition currently serves children and families in 12 parishes
with services addressing the developmental, social, and emotional needs of children
ages 0-18 through early care and education, health care, parenting education, and
youth development.
About ULM:
The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) is a comprehensive, state-funded institution
of higher education that offers high-quality educational and experiential opportunities
to meet the academic, cultural, vocational, social, and personal needs of undergraduate,
graduate, and continuing education students.
Founded in 1931, ULM’s campus – one of the state’s most attractive with beautiful
Bayou DeSiard flowing through its 238-acre, tree-shaded campus – is located in the
eastern part of Monroe. Learn more at ulm.edu.
