Fundraising for new dragon boats

A freak storm destroyed a program to help local youth learn an ancient skill. 

A fund-drive is underway to replace dragon boats damaged in late September flooding in Manayunk.

On September 30th, six dragon boats donated to the Boy Scouts were destroyed.  Mike Blundetto, regional director of Dragon Boat USA, says the storm demolished the Manayunk Dock and the boats.

“We heard a little creak and then we heard another little creak and all of a sudden everything just went up into the air and exploded and boats went down the river doing 40 miles per hour,” said Blundetto “Boats were smashing into trees it was a powerless situation you couldn’t do anything about it, nature was just doing what it does.”

The Manayunk Dragon Boat Disaster Fund has been established to replace the fleet.  Blundetto says the original donor, the Chinese Government, knows about the loss and is helping the group find replacements at a discount. The next time bad weather comes, Blundetto says they will remove the boats to safety.

The Dragon Boat Relief benefit will be held at Manayunk Brewery Saturday, Nov. 20 at 7:30pm. 

For more information, visit Manayunk Dragon Boat Disaster Fund.