Every June on Fort Loudoun Lake, Knoxville’s 40-foot dragon boats sprint 250 meters to fund Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM). Entry is free for spectators; paddlers raise money that becomes meals, shelter, and addiction-recovery programs for neighbors in crisis. One morning on the water changes lives all year.
Why the Festival Matters?
Since 2002, this regatta has blended a 2,000-year-old Chinese sport with East Tennessee heart, generating well over $600,000 for KARM’s life-change work. Teams of twenty paddlers and a drummer must move in perfect unison—just as the community must pull together to fight homelessness.
2024 Impact Snapshot
| What Your Donations Became | One-Day Results* |
|---|---|
| Hot meals served | 1 ,500 + |
| Safe beds provided | 400 |
| Outreach care-packs | 120 |
2025 Dates, Times & Location
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Race Day: Saturday, June 21 2025
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Venue: The Cove at Concord Park, 11808 S. Northshore Dr., Knoxville, TN
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Schedule: Opening ceremony 8 a.m.; heats every 15 minutes; finals ≈ 3 p.m.
Tip: Bring a camp chair, sunscreen, and a reusable bottle—food trucks and refill stations are on-site.
How the Dragon Boat Tradition Fits
The race honors Qu Yuan, the patriotic poet whose supporters beat drums and churned the water to save him 2,300 years ago. Today, the drum cadence keeps crews in sync and reminds us that focused teamwork can rescue lives off the water, too.
How to Paddle Or Help Without Paddling
| Path | What You Do | What It Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Form a Crew | $2,500 fundraising goal, two coached practices, race-day tent | About 1,000 hot meals |
| Corporate Sponsor | Logo on boats, shirts & stage; packages from $1,000 | Workforce-readiness classes |
| Volunteer | Dock crew, time-keeping, kids’ zone | A smooth, safe event |
| Donate Online | Any amount via karm.org/dragonboats | Emergency shelter nights |
Early-bird registration opens in February; slots fill fast.
Festival Highlights for 2025
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Lion-dance kickoff & Taiko drum exhibition
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Kids’ zone with paddle-pond, inflatables, and face painting
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15 + food trucks—Asian fusion to Knoxville BBQ
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Live bluegrass, hip-hop, and cultural dance troupes all day
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Awards for Fastest Crew, Top Fundraiser, and Spirit of the Dragon (best costumes)
Real Lives Changed
“I slept under this bridge in 2021. This year I’m steering a boat with people who kept me fed, sober, and hopeful.”
— Josh, KARM Recovery Graduate
Hundreds of graduates like Josh return each year—as paddlers or volunteers—to prove that compassion can out-race despair.
Quick-Answer FAQ
Do I need paddling experience?
No. Certified steerspeople guide every boat, and two practice sessions are included.
Is the festival pet-friendly?
Yes—well-behaved dogs on leashes under six feet are welcome in spectator areas.
What if it rains?
Heats continue in light rain; severe-weather delays are posted on KARM’s Facebook page by 6 a.m.
Take Your First Stroke Today
See you on the lake—paddle in hand, heart on fire.
