The Sydenham Challenge Dragon Boat Festival in Wallaceburg has evolved into an annual fixture on people’s calendars in the community.
Brian Armitage, one of the event organizers and founders of the event, said the growth and longevity of the event can be attributed to the amazing support and sponsorship provided year after year.
“We couldn’t have done this without South West Regional Credit Union, they have been our elite sponsor,” he said.
“We went many years without sponsorship. To grow you had to invest. South West Credit Union, Subway and the Wallaceburg BIA came on board. Without those three groups, this festival would not be where it is.”
Brian said their committee was very happy because all three of these groups were community minded and shared our vision.
South West Regional Credit Union signed on for three years. Then they went four years, and then they took us the fifth year. Subway also became involved as a major sponsor not only in funding but donated back $1.00 for every 12” sub and .50 cents for every 6” sub sold in all five stores on the day of the festival.
The Wallaceburg B.I.A. sponsored much needed funding that allowed for family activities as well as attracting paddlers into the downtown core area.
Before the days of seeking sponsorship we had to beg and borrow for equipment. The lineup of festival sponsors have allowed us to invest every year in much needed new and approved equipment. It’s not cheap by any means. This festival is also supported by many local businesses with in kind donations, something we really appreciate.
Last year following the festival we were approached by another local organization in town, Eternity’s Touch, they wanted to become involved. Their vision was very close to our vision about where we wanted to go in the future about making this truly a first class International Dragon Boat Festival that our town would be proud of.
“A dragon boat festival that matched the best out there”.. That is where it’s going. Eternity’s Touch understood our relationship with our community partners. That was the beauty of it. They came in and they wanted to take us into the future, but they didn’t want to disrupt the harmony we had with our family of sponsors. We had a conversation with the other sponsors and they gave the thumbs up. They wanted to see progress happening. I think it’s a unique story about sponsors. They had compassion, they all believe in community and they cared about the festival. They loved what we they see and they want to be part of us.”
Brian said they have spent the last 13 years “growing up as children.
“We were nurtured by the expertise of South West and Subway. Subway gave us a lot of insight on developing a good relationship with sponsors. South West gave us the confidence to move forward. The BIA investing in the festival and family activities showcasing our great community. You can’t get better than that. And to top everything off, the Wallaceburg Legion hosting the festival on probably one of the most beautiful locations on the Sydenham.”
Brian said there are some new and exciting changes this year as well, including a new logo and mobile app, web page and Facebook page.
“This year a big focus was on re-branding. We now have a logo to be reckoned with. I travel other Dragon Boat Festivals and the logo is an important part. It’s a statement of who you are. People are going to pay attention to it. It is sharp, crisp, we love it,” he said.
“We now have a mobile friendly webpage that will be updated in real time, on race day. This website will provide standings and the race schedule. We have always encouraged the paddles to check out what the downtown has to offer. The problem was we would get ahead of race schedule and some of the teams thought they had time but found out they were indeed late. The start line this year will be at the Black Goose. A video camera has also been added to the start and finish line and It will all be streamed live inside the Black Goose.”
Brian added: “Another great addition to this year is that we will have a digital score board located on the Legion grounds. This stuff is exciting. The future beholds us. I have not seen or heard of another dragon boat festival that offers this technology. I’ve see some interesting things, but this stuff and it’s all happening right here in good old Wallaceburg.
Brian said there is one more big surprise that will make many paddlers happy.
“Today, our new wireless 3 speaker 1000 watt sound system has just arrived. Thanks to The Gear Box for making these arrangement and teaching us how to use it and set up. Sound has always been an issue due to the uniqueness of the basin of the Sydenham River. Three river banks to contend with. Problem solved. All these improvements throughout the last five years and with a new official sponsor are accredited to our fine family of sponsors.”
Brian added that this is all in preparation of where we are going. This is the first year we have come out and said “we are an international dragon boat festival.
“This year we have the ‘Motor City Dragons’ from Detroit and a return of our friends from Dubuque Iowa are making their return for the seventh year. Stratford has one of the classiest festivals on the Avon. This year we will see the Stratford Silver Masters. Attracting a team out of Stratford is like getting a pat on the back. We have teams coming in from Windsor, London, Forest and Sarnia. Plus all the awesome local community teams throughout Wallaceburg & Chatham-Kent. Without these local teams we would be nothing.”
Our new official sponsor “Eternity’s Touch” or E.T. as we like to call them is truly a North American Company.
Through E.T.’s marketing we now have a presence in North America.
“This is a dream come true.”
Brian said this is where their sponsors have allowed them to grow and get to this level.
“At the end of the day it’s all about family, good clean recreation, a community of some of the finest sponsors and participants and of course… Good Old Wallaceburg.”
The 2015 event will be held on Saturday, June 6 from 8 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m. at the Wallaceburg Legion Br. 18. There will also be a host of kid’s events taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information visit their website: http://sydenhamchallenge.ca/index.html
Watch for more stories throughout the week.
This article is sponsored content and is a part of our “Keep It Local Business Spotlight” feature. Contact Dana Haggith for more information – 519-784-4610 or dana@sydenhamcurrent.ca.
