In Otisville, New York, Mayor Brian Carey enthusiastically declared during the opening of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival event, “If anyone wants to challenge me to a dragon boat race, come over and let’s have a race right here, right now!”
Located within the town of Mount Hope in Orange County, northwest of the state of New York, Otisville village hosted the third annual celebration of the “Dragon Boat Festival” on June 28th, organized by the Mount Hope Chinese Association (MHCA) at the Otisville Veterans Memorial Park. As people’s understanding of Chinese traditional culture deepens, this Chinese festival event has become a “popular annual tradition within the community.”
The dragon boat race is one of the festive activities of the traditional Chinese festival, the Dragon Boat Festival (also known as the Duanwu Festival). The land-based dragon boat race was a highlight of the day’s events. Not only could the winners of the race win prizes, but there were also raffle activities on-site where lucky viewers had the chance to win prizes. Throughout the event, several performance groups were invited to the stage to showcase dance and music programs, offering a diverse and colorful program that lasted for approximately four hours.
Mayor Paul Rickard of Mount Hope town expressed, “This is a very good event and a great cultural experience, allowing everyone to see different cultures.”
Councilwoman Keri Lee Carey of Mount Hope town also gave a speech stating, “It’s rare to have such great weather today – not too hot and no rain, just perfect. There are quality food, various stalls, and rich activities on-site. I hope everyone has a wonderful day!”
“I love this event and I strive to participate every year,” Carey said. “I think the best part of this event is that we can learn about a different culture and tradition, experience things we don’t often see in our daily lives. The dances and music in the performances are delightful, the vendors are great, and it always provides a fun-filled experience.”
President Wu Hongliu of the Mount Hope Chinese Association introduced the event, highlighting the purpose of promoting Chinese traditional culture and allowing people to experience the beauty of Chinese traditional culture. She said, “We Chinese people are relatively introverted; we usually just smile and people don’t see our inner selves. We organize this event to help everyone understand our Chinese community better, showcase the beauty of the Chinese community, extol the beauty of Chinese traditional culture, and promote Chinese traditional culture.”
She believes that promoting Chinese traditional culture is very important in today’s society. She said, “People have deviated from tradition, lacking connections with each other. Many children are stuck in their phones, and these community activities provide them with opportunities to interact with others from a young age.”
The dance and music performances by various groups were well-received by the public. Local resident Bill O’Donnell, living near the park, expressed his love for the performance of the Northern Arts Institute Taiko Team’s “Divine Drum Reverberating in All Directions.” He said, “That drumming is like the pulse of the universe, the rhythm of the heart.”
“Participating in today’s event, my soul feels comforted, I experience peace, relaxation, in short, tranquility,” O’Donnell said. “This experience is truly wonderful.”
“I would call it harmony, much like a balance between yin and yang,” he felt a deep connection to himself and Chinese traditional culture through the event.
Jeff Stendorf from the Town of New Windsor, Orange County, also enjoyed the drum performances and erhu solo. Stendorf remarked, “Today’s event was very exciting, it surprised me! Seeing a group of talented children perform was fantastic.”
Stendorf also appreciated the Hanfu show. He stated, “I learned about the history of different Chinese dynasties and various traditional Chinese clothing, which was very interesting.”
From the robe styles of the Warring States period over 2500 years ago to the straight-hemmed deep clothing of the Qin and Han dynasties, from the round-necked robe of the Tang Dynasty and the bib of the Song Dynasty to the Hu clothing of the Ming Dynasty, the Hanfu show that day led the audience through time to appreciate the charm of Chinese Han clothing over millennia.
“In the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, although the clothing of each dynasty is different, the traditional behavioral standards have never changed. We hope to not only showcase the beauty of surface clothing but also convey the cultural implications of filial piety, fraternity, loyalty, and trust.” Ally Yea, the host of the Hanfu show explained.
Otisville village Trustee Lance Davoren stated, “The scale of this Dragon Boat Festival activity grows larger and better each year; the people in our village love this event because the dragon boat race attracts more people to our village. We all love this event.”
He emphasized, “This dragon boat race is open to everyone, the entire community can participate, regardless of race.”
Davoren was captivated by the performances of the day and the lively atmosphere on-site. He explained he felt the “energy.”
“It’s a positive energy that comes from people’s hearts and minds, a kind of energy that makes people want to understand this different culture and how this (Chinese) culture has developed.”
Davoren expressed, “This event is becoming a popular tradition within our community.”