Dragon Boats Make A Splash For River Museum Fundraiser

More than 3,000 people gathered at the riverfront in Paducah, Ky., on August 29 for the River Discovery Center’s 2026 Dragon Boat Festival, the river museum’s largest fundraiser.

Twelve teams paddled the 40-foot boats, each adorned with a dragon head and tail. The 2026 festival raised more than three times as much as the previous year, River Discovery Center Executive Director Lindsey Launius said, marking a significant increase in support for the museum and its educational programs.

“To see more than 3,000 people come down to our riverfront and support this event was incredible, but what I’m most proud of is what that support makes possible,” Launius said. “At the heart of this event is the River Discovery Center and the work we do educating kids about our rivers and the maritime industry. Our teams, sponsors and community made this year’s festival an incredible success before the boats even touched the water.”

This year’s competition featured a new river industry-specific heat featuring James Marine, Marquette Transportation and Ingram Marine Group.

The competitors also faced off on land, vying for awards for best dressed drummer, most spirit (best costumes/team theme) and the People’s Choice Award.

The final race featured the same three teams that battled for the title in 2025: Independence Bank, James Marine and Mercy Health. This year Independence Bank’s “Project Sail Mary” team battled back from last year’s second place finish to take the overall title and the traveling trophy.

James Marine’s “River Vikings” team received the Best Drummer award. Paducah’s Bank’s “The Coin Club” earned Most Team Spirit. Marquette’s “All The Places You Will Row” won the People’s Choice award.

Spectators lined the riverfront to watch the races while enjoying food and drink vendors, a beer garden and Kids Zone featuring inflatables, face painting and hair tinsel.

For the River Discovery Center, the festival represents months of work and collaboration among staff, board members, volunteers, sponsors, participating teams, local businesses and the region’s maritime industry.

“Putting 12 teams on the Ohio River and welcoming thousands of people to the riverfront takes an extraordinary amount of coordination,” Launius said. “We had people and organizations step up in so many different ways, from sponsoring and fundraising to moving docks, volunteering, practicing after work and helping us prepare the riverfront. Saturday was a great example of what can happen when this community comes together around our rivers.

Proceeds from the Dragon Boat Festival directly support the River Discovery Center’s educational mission, including school field trips, hands-on STEM programming, camps and programs that introduce young people to the rivers and maritime industry.

Featured photo caption: James Marine, Marquette Transportation and Ingram Marine Group compete in one of the race heats during the 2026 Dragon Boat Festival in Paducah, Ky. The annual race is a major fundraiser for the River Discovery Center. (Photo by Patrice Hoffman)