The 14th annual Dragon Boat races took place along the shores of Lake Minnewaska last Saturday at City Park in Starbuck.

There were 13 teams entered in this year’s competition, which was the first Dragon Boat races in three years due to COVID-19 wiping out the 2020 and 2021 events.

After three qualifying races, the teams were placed in the Gold, Silver or Bronze divisions based on their top times.

Rapid Rowers went on to win the Gold division finals with a time of 2:22, followed by VFW Mens Auxiliary-Jr. Baseball Team (2:25.54), FAST Global-Faster Than You (2:27.21) and Northwestern Mutual-Top Gun Rooster (2:27.48).

Members of the winning Rapid Rowers team were Roger Salonen, Mike Salonen, Tammy Salonen, Derek Burd, Katelyn Elwood, Andrew Salonen, Anthony Salonen, Sierra Austin, Austin Moe, Max Carlson, Shayley Flaherty, Matie Wirtjes, Kennedy Quinn, Alissa Rinken, Hunter Weisel, Ashley Levits, Mason McGinty, Kristen Glover and Spencer Winter.

In the Silver division, Miss Minnewaska Paddling for Jayda won the finals’ race with a time of 2:27.38, edging out Northwestern Mutual-Top Gun Maverick (2:27.94) for first by less than a second with Dragon Divas (2:34.62) placing third and SCMC-Ivy Leaguers (2:49.23) earning fourth.

In the Bronze division, Morris Sealcoat (2:36.25) placed first in the final race, followed by Beachside RV (2:37.32), Marthaler Chevrolet (2:42.89) and Precision Paddles (2:46.49).  Also taking part in the races was the team of Lakers by Eagle Bank.

Other “Cup” winners were as follows.  The “Cups” are awarded for best representation and participation:

•  Civic Cup–VFW Mens Auxiliary 

•Manufacturing Cup–FAST Global

•Financial Cup–Northwestern Mutual Ben Dahl

•Health Cup–SCMC-Starbuck Clinic

•Business Cup–Marthaler Chevrolet

•Family Cup–Precision Auto

•Team Village–Dragon Divas Breast Cancer Survivor

•Team Spirit–Northwestern Top Gun Rooster

Check out more photos in our photo gallery!