The Badger Lake Dragon Boat Bash is now one of the longest standing events in the Midwest. Paddlers from all over come to participate in the event.

“We are grateful for the support the Fort Dodge community has given us each year with the dragon boat racing,” said Linda Donner, co-chair of the Dragon Boat Bash. “We have teams from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas City, and all over Iowa that come out to reach each year and they just love how warm and welcoming the Fort Dodge community is.”

Donner and other co-chair of the Dragon Boat Bash, Barb Michaels, have been involved with the event since day one. They even travel to other dragon boat racing events around the world to help referees throughout the year. Tom Donner and Michaels still participate in paddling during the Dragon Boat Bash.

The fun begins when the gates open at 5:30 p.m. Friday. From there, there will be a team dinner, the silent auction beginning, and children’s activities. Then at 6:50 p.m. the introduction of teams and the Awakening of the Dragon Ceremony will begin.

-Messenger file photo

Friday night will end with the band Renegade Soul taking the stage beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“We had them perform last year, and many guests raved about them being one of the best bands they’ve ever heard. So, we decided to bring them back again for everyone to enjoy,” said Donner.

The next morning on Saturday the racing will begin at 9 a.m. The silent auction to support the fight against breast cancer will also continue throughout the day and will close after lunch. There will be a variety of items such as baked goods, homemade items, goodie baskets, craft items, and items donated from local businesses.

“We will have low-end to high-end items in the silent auction,” said Donner. “Our silent auction alone has raised anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000 that all go towards cancer patients.”

The Breast Cancer Survivor Ceremony will be held in the late afternoon during lunch and there will be awards given following racing.

One thing that the organizers of the event are asking for this year is volunteers. According to Donner they are always in need of more volunteers for both days to help with concession, parking, registration, set-up, clean-up, etc.

“Kennedy Park is a beautiful venue to have and watch the races at,” she said “Be sure to come out and enjoy both days. It is a great way to spend the afternoon making friends and memories.”

The Dragon Boat Bash will be held on Friday and Saturday at Badger Lake at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. Admission is free to everyone.

Badger Lake Dragon Boat Bash Schedule

June 20, 2025

5:30 p.m. Gates open at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park

6:50 p.m. Introduction of teams and Awakening of the Dragon

7:30 p.m. Concert by Renegade Soul

June 21, 2025

9 a.m. Racing begins