Dragon Boat Races Include Dumpling Eating Contest

Photos Vinny DuPre Drummers in the stern of each dragon boat keep the beat so rowers maintain the rhythm of their strokes.

The 17th annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York took place on August 4 and 5 in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. In all, 70 separate races were held during the two-day meet. Taking first place in the Open Championships were the Fujianese Association of Philadelphia for the 250-meter race and the Philadelphia Dragon Boat Association for the 500-meter and 1,000-meter races.

A wide range of events and activities was available onshore as well. Music provided by a number of ensembles including the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York, and dancers such as the Niall O'Leary Irish Dance Troupe delighted audiences. In a large Arts & Crafts tent some 20 artists demonstrated traditional Chinese crafts and children were able to try making their own crafts with the guidance of the artists.

A highlight of the festival was the fourth annual dumpling eating contest, sponsored by Chef One Corp. Joseph Menchetti downed 60 dumplings to win the men's division and Floria Lee put 33 dumplings away to win the women's division. Each won a trophy and $1,000.

As a contest official looks on with the Brooklyn Cyclones mascot, Joseph Menchetti and his son pose with a trophy and a specimen check for $1,000 after consuming 60 Chinese dumplings in a contest that was part of the 17th annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park last Sunday.