Registrations open for Barrie Dragon Boat Festival

Ready, set, paddle – the 22nd annual Barrie Dragon Boat Festival is set to return on Aug, 15.

The Barrie Public Library (BPL), which hosts the annual event, announced teams have until Aug. 4 to register participants. Teams that complete registration by April 30 will be entered to win an “Ultimate Tim Hortons Coffee Break” prize, presented by sponsor Tim Hortons. The winning team will receive $750 in Tim Hortons gift cards.

The Barrie Dragon Boat Festival is an annual event where teams race long dragon boats on Kempenfelt Bay. Since 2003, the festival has raised more than $2 million for dozens of local charities.

In a media release, BPL CEO Lauren Jessop said the event remains a highlight each year.

“The Barrie Dragon Boat Festival is a tradition we look forward to each year,” she said.

“The festival is an incredible celebration of community, teamwork, and shared camaraderie. Events like this show what’s possible when our community comes together to support local charities, including the library. We’re grateful to the teams who have chosen us as their charity of choice. Your fundraising efforts help us expand access to library services and bring our mission to life across Barrie.”

Christopher Vanderkruys, BPL director of corporate services, said the event continues to support the library’s growth in the city.

“This event began as a fundraiser in 2003 to support the library’s expansion from one branch to two,” he said.

“As we look ahead, we’re excited to be planning for a fourth branch in Barrie’s Letitia Heights neighbourhood; an important step in continuing to serve our growing community.”

Participating teams can support the library or any charity of their choice. The 2025 festival featured 40 teams, and more than $103,000 was raised for local charities, including the library.

Teams can sign up at barrielibrary.ca/dragonboat.