Barrie Dragon Boat Festival brings community to the waterfront

Stephen J. Donkers — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:51:45 +0000

Paddles up, Barrie!

The city’s waterfront was buzzing on Saturday as paddlers, volunteers, families and spectators came together for the annual Barrie Dragon Boat Festival at Heritage Park.

The festival, hosted by the Barrie Public Library, brought between 800 and 900 paddlers, 40 teams and 75 volunteers to Kempenfelt Bay.

Barrie Public Library CEO Lauren Jessop said a sense of togetherness is at the heart of the event.

“The library tries to foster community in any way that we can,” she said.

“We are more than just books and things we loan out; it is about bringing people together and creating a stronger sense of community – that’s what this festival really does.”

Jessop added that the event doesn’t just raise funds for the library, but also for other organizations and charities.

“Every team fundraises for their own charity – they bring co-workers, family members and friends together,” she said.

“It’s just a fun day out in our community, raising money not only for the Barrie Public Library, but for other great charities as well.”

The festival began as a fundraiser connected to the library’s plans for future branches and has grown into its signature event and one of Barrie’s most recognizable summer traditions.

Tim Hortons, the festival’s title sponsor, has been part of the community spirit. Johnny Mizzoni, owner of several Barrie Tim Hortons locations, said the waterfront provides an ideal setting for an event of this scale.

“It’s a great community event,” he said.

“It’s so well organized every year, and to have it on the waterfront in this great city – why wouldn’t you have events here as often as you possibly could?”

Mizzoni said he enjoys seeing residents flock to the waterfront to take in the races and spend time together.

“I love that our community comes down here and enjoys the waterfront and watches some great competitive racing,” he said.

The festival’s community focus extends beyond the races. Throughout the day, families took part in activities, including children’s face painting, while community vendors and sponsors also helped bring the event to life.

For Coun. Craig Nixon, the festival is one of many important occasions that make Barrie summers special.

“This is another great example of the events that happen in Barrie every summer,” he said.

“This has always been a great event. I’ve been coming to the festival for years now – the crowds and participants grow every year. It’s wonderful to see so many people come out for the festival.”

The 2027 Barrie Dragon Boat Festival is currently being planned.

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Barrie Dragon Boat Festival brings community to the waterfront