Why I Keep Coming Back: Nearly a Decade with the Dragon Boat Upstate Festival

There are events you work at once.

Then there are the ones that become part of your story.

For nearly ten years, I've had the opportunity to return to the Dragon Boat Upstate Festival—not because it's another date on my calendar, but because every year I'm reminded why gathering people around a meaningful cause is so powerful.

At first glance, it looks like a day of dragon boat racing.

Spend a few hours there, and you'll realize it's something much bigger.

A Festival Built Around Hope

Hosted by the Prisma Health Upstate Foundation, the Dragon Boat Upstate Festival raises critical funds for cancer research and patient care throughout the Upstate.

Teams spend months fundraising before they ever step into a boat.

Businesses rally employees.

Families paddle in honor of loved ones.

Cancer survivors celebrate milestones.

Others remember those they've lost.

Every paddle stroke carries a story.

The Role of an Event Host

People often assume my job is to announce races and keep the schedule moving.

That's certainly part of it.

But my real responsibility is creating an atmosphere where every participant feels connected to the mission.

That means celebrating victories without losing sight of why everyone gathered in the first place.

It means recognizing sponsors, volunteers, survivors, caregivers, and first-time participants with the same enthusiasm.

It means helping thousands of people experience a day that's both joyful and deeply meaningful.

More Than Competition

Yes, there are races.

There are themed team campsites, friendly competitions, delicious food, music, and plenty of laughs.

But those aren't the moments I remember most.

I remember watching teammates paddle for someone they love.

I remember survivors crossing the finish line with smiles that said more than words ever could.

I remember complete strangers becoming one community because they believed in the same mission.

Those moments never get old.

Why I Keep Saying Yes

After nearly a decade, I still look forward to this event every year.

Not because I know exactly what's going to happen.

But because I know why it matters.

Events like this remind me that the best experiences aren't measured by attendance numbers or race results.

They're measured by the connections people make, the stories they share, and the hope they leave with.

Looking Ahead

Thank you to the Prisma Health Upstate Foundation, every volunteer, sponsor, paddler, survivor, caregiver, and supporter who continues to make this event possible.

It's an honor to be part of your story each year.

And I can't wait to do it again.

Because some events don't just create memories.

They strengthen communities.