With 20 paddlers moving in unison to propel a narrow, 42-foot long boat as its slices through Bringle Lake waters, the rhythmic boom of a drum pushes them forward toward the finish line.
It's the Texarkana Dragon Boat Festival, held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Texas-side lake. A benefit for Hands on Texarkana and its work to support local volunteerism, the festival pits dragon boat teams against each other in various categories.
With names like Barbell Bombshells, Cajun Invasion, Firebreathing Misfits, Stop Dragon My HEART Around and Victorious Secret, participating teams will do the necessary training before Saturday's races, which reimagine a longtime Chinese tradition for the present day as a sport available to all skill levels.
Paddlers sit two-by-two nestled inside the boat, the drummer facing them as they glide along the lake. A steerperson, supplied by show producer High Five Dragon Boat, operates the rudder to guide the craft along its way.
In order for each team to put its best race forward, they must work together in unison, synchronizing their movements to create that perfect glide along a 300-meter course. Each team races in three heats. Various division winners will be awarded.
But first, before they duke it out on the waters, teams must prepare late this week. High Five brings all the necessary equipment to town, including oars and life jackets. But the teams bring the people.
"A team cannot race unless they've had a practice run," said Kathey Graves, Hands On Texarkana's executive director. Nearly 20 teams are signed up for this year, the third year of the dragon boat festival. A board president suggested they switch from a golf tournament to this kind of race for an event theme.
"The day of, it's just a lot of fun. Last year the city told us we had 5,000 people in the park because they helped us park cars," Graves said. "Families come out. We don't charge anything for admission."
Spectators will have a proper vantage point to watch the competition as High Five times the teams. Winners receive medals. This year's races are conducted in memory of Julie Collins, who was a Hands On board member.
"The city has cut that brush way down this year, and so it's going to be visible from wherever you are in the park," Graves said.
Along with the dragon boat racing, there's plenty to make the Texarkana Dragon Boat Festival a fun time for all: vendors, bounce houses and more. Plus, there's the thrill of spring weather and watching competitors race along Bringle. An emcee will make announcements during the day, while an awards ceremony is conducted around 4 p.m.
"The teams will bring tents and tailgate. They'll bring stuff to cook food, they'll bring grills, ice chests and their families will come. It's just a real neat day," Graves said, "The whole family can come out and enjoy, and they do."
Bob Nelsen, a Hands On volunteer, helps direct the unloading and loading at the dock. Most of the time, people are out there enjoying it, he says, while some are serious and might train for it. There are some dedicated athletes involved.
"Most of the time everybody's just out here for the fun," Nelsen said.
(More info: TexarkanaDragonBoatFestival.com or 903-798-3211.)