Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Starting a Fire

Water may put out blazes, but in ancient Chinese iconography, the reverse is also true: Fire-breathing dragons hold sway over the water. Burlington’s Dragon Boat Festival, now in its fourth year, has turned that control of the element into a sense of empowerment: 86 teams of 20 paddlers conquer the waves of Lake Champlain this Sunday on canoe-style boats decorated with images of the mythical creatures. But those who take first place in the 300-meter sprint races aren’t the only winners; 11 of the teams competing are composed of breast cancer survivors. The festival, which includes a traditional flower ceremony, a Parade of Dragons and live music, raises funds for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta (a summer camp for kids with cancer) and Dragonheart Vermont. With $300,000 raised for charity since 2006, this event is growing like ... wildfire.