The Lake Hernando Dragon Boat Festival

Ivana Dragojevic
11/13/2015

With origins dating back 2300 years, dragon boat racing is a fun and unique cultural event.  

Have you ever had the desire to put together a team of rowers to compete in a Dragon Boat Tournament?  If so we have got the perfect event for you! 

Whether you prefer to be an active participant or a casual spectator, the Lake Hernando Dragon Boat Festival is a great event. It’s happening Saturday, November 14th at Lake Hernando Park in Hernando, which is a 10-minute drive from the Villages of Citrus Hills. 

What is Dragon Boat Racing? 

If you haven’t had a chance to see a Dragon Boat Race before we think you’ll enjoy this.  It’s now one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

Dragon Boats are long and skinny and are comprised of either 10 or 20 paddlers.  One person steering the boat, and a leader, called a drummer, who sits at the front of the boat pounding on a drum to keep all of the paddlers paddling in sync. 

If visions of Olympic rowing or college crew come to mind, you’ve got the basic idea. 

The Lake Hernando Dragon Boat Festival 

 As one of the largest Dragon Boat events in our area, The Lake Hernando Dragon Boat Festival attracts teams of paddlers from all over Florida. There will also be dozens of craft and food vendors, as well as musical entertainment and lots of fun happening in the team village. 

If you are looking to visit the event on Saturday, you can plan to arrive any time between 9 am and 5 pm on Saturday, November 14. 

There will also be a big kickoff party on Friday, November 13th from 5 pm to 9 pm. The party will be held in the nearby Elks Club and will feature live music from the band 4 Play and an Italian dinner served from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. 

Forming a Dragon Boat Team 

If you would like to participate in The Lake Hernando Dragon Boat Festival, anyone is welcome to form a team no matter their level of experience. 

Teams can be formed with 10 or 20 paddlers. The entry fees are $425 for a 10-person team and $700 for a 20 person team. There are also discounts available for anyone entering multiple teams. 

Everything your team needs will be provided, including paddles, life vests, boats, drums, and even steerspersons. Your team will also have the opportunity to participate in one practice session and then compete in three different heats. Additional practice sessions can be purchased if you feel your team needs a little more help! 

 Whether you are an experienced Dragon Boat racer looking for new competition, a novice Dragon Boat racer looking for a new way to have some fun, or just a spectator looking for something pleasurable to do on a Saturday in November, The Lake Hernando Dragon Boat Festival offers enjoyment on a number of levels. 

This is one of the biggest events of the year for Lake Hernando Park, so you don’t want to miss it! 

Terms and Conditions:

No purchase necessary to enter or win. One (1) entry per tour will be provided upon completion of an in-person tour of The Villages of Citrus Hills between May 1, 2026 and July 15, 2026, regardless of the number of tours completed.
Prize consists of a trip for two (2) to the 2026 U.S. Open, including event tickets for one day of play, round-trip coach airfare, and standard hotel accommodations. Drawing will be held on or about July 17, 2026.
Winner will be notified via phone and/or email and must accept the prize within 5 days or an alternate winner may be selected. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
Travel dates, event tickets, and accommodations are subject to availability and may be determined at Citrus Hills’ sole discretion. Prize is non-transferable, has no cash alternative, and cannot be substituted except at sponsor’s discretion. Taxes, upgrades, and additional expenses not expressly included are the responsibility of the winner.
Employees, affiliates, and immediate family members are not eligible. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms may apply.
The US Open is a registered trademark of the United States Tennis Association. This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the USTA. 

Terms and conditions:

Offer valid on new construction homes purchased through Citrus Hills Construction with a fully executed purchase agreement between May 1, 2026 and May 31, 2026. Citrus Hills Construction will pay the buyer’s customary lender and title closing costs when the home is closed through Manatee Title, LLC. Closing costs must be verified by an official Closing Disclosure prepared by Manatee Title, LLC. Citrus Hills Construction will provide a credit at closing for eligible closing costs as reflected on the final settlement statement. Offer does not include prepaid items, property taxes, homeowners insurance, optional upgrades, or non-standard lender fees.
Offer is non-transferable and may not be combined with other incentives unless expressly approved in writing. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply. See Sales Executive for details.

GET YOUR FREE BROCHURE

By clicking submit, I agree to be contacted by Citrus Hills Investment Properties and affiliates via call, email, and text. Communications may include newsletters, promotional emails featuring move-in ready homes, travel incentives, seasonal updates, and club and activity information. To opt-out, you can reply “Stop” at any time or click the unsubscribe link in emails. Message and data rates may apply.