Regatta aims to make big splash

Yeoh showing the poster for the Penang international dragon Boat regatta
to be held on June 16 at the Teluk Bahang dam in Penang.

VISITORS can expect a range of fun activities during the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta at Teluk Bahang Dam in Penang.

Besides dragon boat races involving 11 teams from China, Singapore and Malaysia, the event will also feature a farmers’ market, art competition for children and various cultural activities.

Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Com­mittee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the regatta taking place from 9am to 5pm on June 16 would be held to mark Dumpling Festival.

“Dragon boating is a tradition and part of our culture here. We hope to promote and preserve this tradition for generations to come.

“There will be other fun and interesting activities on that day including a Man Man market and Dragon Boat Art Competition,” he said at a press conference at Komtar on Monday.

Yeoh said the Man Man market, to be held from 10am to 3pm, is a community-based farmers’ market that creates a traceable food supply chain.

“Local producers mostly from northern Malaysia will bring their own organic products such as organic vegetables, free-range eggs, artisanal food, home-cooked food and handmade craft,” Yeoh said.

Yeoh said the Dragon Boat Art Competition would be divided into two categories — category A for Year One to Year Three pupils and category B for Year Four to Year Six pupils.

“Entry is free and the top three winners will take home RM250, RM150 and RM100 respectively in each category.

“There are two consolation prizes in each category of RM50 each,” he said.

Other programmes include a local travel talk, diabolo performances, unplugged music performances, farmers’ story sharing session and a talk on the art of gua sha, traditional Chinese therapy.

There will also be workshops on Mugwort ball making, nyonya-style sticky rice dumpling making, Hakka Leicha making, DIY dragon boat making, dragon boat paper cutting and child’s play.

Visitors can also enjoy a durian buffet with varieties such as Musang King, Black Thorn, D24 and many more at RM40 per pax for an hour.

Also present at the press conference was Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta vice chairman Lau Keng Ee.

For enquiries on the activities at the event, call 04-261 6161.

-thestar online.