One of the largest cities in Canada, Mississauga has recently begun to take part in one of the fastest growing sports in the world in terms of popularity, dragon boat racing. In fact, the city officially began its own dragon boat racing regatta in 2003, and the event has grown steadily ever since. Let’s take a look at how the event came together.

Dragon boat racing

In order to truly understand the appeal of the regatta, it’s important to understand dragon boat racing itself. As you might guess, the term dragon boat refers to an ancient Chinese method of transportation by using a long and narrow canoe powered by human rowers. Racing the dragon boats requires an incredible amount of strength and stamina, and the boats themselves may be powered by one, two, three, or more rowers depending on the race. In regattas, dragon boats are always decorated with dragon heads and tails, and have to carry a drum aboard. The drum is used to establish a rhythm for the rowers and is one of the most unique aspects of this sport.

It is the skill and the strength required to power a dragon boat that have been behind the rise of the sport all over the world. Truly committed rowers are probably among the fittest in the population.

The Mississauga Canoe Club

The idea of the annual Mississauga Dragon Boat races was conceived through the Mississauga Canoe Club, itself with a long history of training and racing world class rowing athletes. The very first races were held in June of 2003, and the number of participants has grown to include hundreds of entrants from all over the world. In fact, Mississauga’s races are set to rival neighbour St. Catharine’s Royal Henry Regatta in another couple of years insofar as attendance.

If you are interested in watching, or even better in participating in one of the world’s oldest and most physically demanding sports, then think about coming to Mississauga in June. The races take place on the Credit River, and there are opportunities for individuals to compete as well as a full range of team competitions. Fans will truly find the annual Mississauga Dragon Boat races to be the very best that competition has to offer.

Gordon Daly is a Mississauga Real Estate Agent specialising in Mississauga Condos, his knowledge of the area and events in Mississauga makes his one of the top agents in the area.

Brampton Ontario has the distinction of being one of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada, with over 110,000 people expected to move to the city in 2007! The City of Brampton credits its growth in part to the municipal focus on the importance of culture. Here are some of the cultural events planned in Brampton in 2007, many of them sponsored and organized by the Brampton Arts Council.

Throughout the Year

Running throughout the year are various exhibitions of still life put together as a group effort by the Visual Arts Brampton school of painting. The exhibitions run from the first of each month and are scheduled to last the entire month at Shopper’s World in the Brampton Mall (499 Main St. S.) during regular mall hours.

In addition to the Visual Art Brampton organization, several major cultural contributors offer demonstrations of their art all year long. Groups include the Brampton Symphony Orchestra, the Brampton Folk Singers, the Brampton Lyric Opera, and the Brampton Folk Club.

The newly opened Rose Theatre in Brampton is expected to begin fulfilling its promise in a big way in 2007, the first entire year of operations. Major events include concerts, recitations, and a special Musical Theatre performance of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, which kicks off in March.

Special Events

The City of Brampton’s downtown core also features several series of special events which usually begin taking place when the weather turns warmer. Tuesdays and Thursdays from June to September offer music tailored to suit, with inspirational offerings from the Inspirational Impressions group on Tuesdays and a free concert held
each Thursday. In addition, the last Friday of every month offers an installment of a concert series from the Brampton Folk Club.

Running from July to September is the Flower City’s Annual Shakespeare in the Square Festival, put on by ACT Productions. This event is admission based on donation, and all are invited and encouraged to attend. There is a performance every weekday from 7:30 pm at City Hall.

The month of February is also an important one culturally in Brampton, with the kickoff of the Brampton Indie Arts Festival on the 9th and running through to the 17th.

One of the biggest cultural events in any Canadian city is the celebration of the country’s birthday on July 1st, and Brampton is no exception. Festivities to celebrate Canada’s birthday are held throughout the city, with a huge celebration around city hall and at various parks. The festivities include bands, booths, presentations, and performances that celebrate all aspects of Canada, from our multicultural heritage to our burgeoning arts. Don’t forget about the annual fireworks display!

Brampton’s cultural vibrancy is a major attraction and benefit to the city both in terms of financial and population growth. With the sheer number of events happening, residents are sure to find something that suits them!

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