Thousands of people flocked to the banks of the Sydenham for the annual Dragon Boat festival. 
Organizer Brian Armitage says the event has grown substantially over the last 16 years.
“The Sydenham Challenge Dragon Boat Festival started back in 2001, originally started with breast cancer awareness and a partnership with the United Way,” Armitage says. “We started off with six teams, this year we’ve grown to max our size at 34 teams.”
Armitage says the event wouldn’t be as successful as it is without the help of its volunteers.
“We all pulled together, worked together, I think we had 70 volunteers total,” he says. “The number one compliment that we get from the teams from outside is how well they’re hosted when they come into our community.”
As many as 4000 people took in the event, raising close to $15,000 for the United Way and the Breast Buddies breast cancer racing team.
