Dragon Boat Races

Today is the culmination of Golden Week and it is Children's Day/Boys' Day (and, yes, Cinco de Mayo for all the south of the border readers!)  And today was also the big Dragon Boat Races that I've heard so much about.  Dragon boats are just that, long, brightly painted wooden boats that are capped by a dragon head in the front and a tail in the rear.  A team of rowers have to maneuver the thing down an open strip of water, turn around a marker and head back to the finish line.  Dragon boat races are a competitive event here on island and many teams train for months just to take home the trophy. 

Well the kick off to Dragon boat racing was today in Naha (the capital city) which coincides with the kickoff of fishing season.  So along with the festival and boat races, there is a blessing of the fishing fleet and prayers for a good fishing season.  Although, I have to say, that the whole fishing season kick-off seemed to get a little lost in the hoopla of the day.

(My neighbor, Kelly, said this team had to win because they had to be able to live down the PINK shirts!)

There are many, many companies and private teams that competed in the day's events - some looking a little better trained and organized than others.  And of course, the Americans had to get in on the action, and have teams that compete.  The funny thing is, they had one heat for the American women who all raced against each other - Army, Navy and Marines.  I'm not sure how they did the guys, we didn't stay long enough for that.

Go Navy!

Along the dock was a giant festival/carnival set up with games, rides and food, food, food. 

(one of the carnival prizes - pink chicks!)

Emmy fell in love with the tanks of rubber ducks/fish/balls - you know the game - pick one up, find the number, win a prize. 

When she fished out her respective fish, the ladies gave her the choice of a tiara/glittery jewelry kit or a kit of hair bows and barrettes.  She looked at both the options and decided she wanted to go fishing to try again!  She finally settled on a more boyish toy - a magnetic fishing game so she could practice at home.