Rowing Festival to Add Dragon Boats to Lenny Peters Cup

Rowing Festival to Add Dragon Boats to Lenny Peters Cup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HIGH POINT, NC — The High Point Autumn Rowing Festival presented by Bethany Medical is expanding its lineup for 2026, officially adding dragon boat racing to its event schedule.

This new addition brings a fast-paced, team-driven dynamic to the festival, drawing competitive crews from across North Carolina and neighboring states, alongside local community groups, corporate teams, and high schools. 

Event Highlights

  • Expanded Schedule: Dragon boat racing joins the traditional rowing events, offering high-energy, side-by-side competition on Festival Park waters.

  • Broad Participation: Events cater to elite regional teams, community organizations, local businesses, and regional high school groups.

  • Community Focus: Designed to encourage local involvement, teamwork, and active outdoor participation for both experienced paddlers and first-time crews.

Dragon boat teams feature 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steerperson working in unison. The inclusion of these races offers local businesses and school groups a unique team-building platform while expanding spectator opportunities throughout the day.

"Adding dragon boats allows us to open the water to a much broader community," said Race Director Gene Kininmonth. "It gives local corporate teams, University organizations such as Greek Life, and schools the chance to compete right alongside seasoned regional crews, creating a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere for participants and spectators alike."

Kininmonth says this year's lake festival will have an added Asian cuisine theme to draw on the historic beginnings of Dragon Boat racing. 

Registration & Schedule Details Team registration, practice schedule options, and community division guidelines will be published on the official Lenny Peters Cup website. Spectator admission remains free to the public.

About the High Point Autumn Rowing Festival

Held annually in High Point, North Carolina, the High Point Autumn Rowing Festival brings together athletes, families, and outdoor enthusiasts for a day of competitive watersports, community engagement, and celebration along the water.  The event drew over 400 boats in 2025. The Dragon Boat races are expected to draw in an additional 350 paddlers to the regatta. 

The top of the billing for the event will be the Lenny Peters Cup: a race between Team USA's world champion women's four and a yet to be announced international crew. NCAA competition will take place between High Point University, Duke University, the University of Edinburgh from Scotland and England's University of Oxford. 

Media Contact:

Media Relations/Gene Kininmonth

High Point Autumn Rowing Festival

contact@triadunitedrowing.com

(336) 257-9009

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