Meet ‘The Dragon Ladies’ behind Oshkosh’s dragon boat races and more about the September event

Brandon Reid, Oshkosh Northwestern
·2 min read

OSHKOSH – A group of women known as “The Dragon Ladies” is planning the return of a popular event to the Fox Cities and northeast Wisconsin this September.

The Northeast Wisconsin (N.E.W.) Dragon Boat Festival, organized by the Northeast Wisconsin Chinese Association and the City of Oshkosh, is set for Sept. 16 at Leach Amphitheater, 303 Ceape Ave., in Oshkosh.

The event will feature teams of 20 paddlers and one drummer competing on the Fox River. Organizers said they hope to have 50 teams register. Registration and more information can be found at newdragonboat.com.

Here’s more to know about the event, including “The Dragon Ladies” behind the planning.

Who are ‘The Dragon Ladies’?

Pictured is the N.E.W. Dragon Boat Festival Planning Committee, also known as “The Dragon Ladies,” from left: Lindsay Roake, vice president of Northeast Wisconsin Chinese Association; AnnMarie Johnson; Angie Lee; Greta Lax; Fanni Xie, president, NEWCA; and Beth Roberts.
Pictured is the N.E.W. Dragon Boat Festival Planning Committee, also known as “The Dragon Ladies,” from left: Lindsay Roake, vice president of Northeast Wisconsin Chinese Association; AnnMarie Johnson; Angie Lee; Greta Lax; Fanni Xie, president, NEWCA; and Beth Roberts.

“The Dragon Ladies” are the N.E.W. Dragon Boat Festival Planning Committee: Lindsay Roake, vice president of Northeast Wisconsin Chinese Association; AnnMarie Johnson, dragon boat race director; Angie Lee, event director; Greta Lax, project coordinator; Fanni Xie, president, NEWCA; and Beth Roberts.

Lee told the Oshkosh Northwestern in May, “This festival is about celebrating what we have in this region, all the different diverse communities we have and those big ideas around connectedness and belonging.”

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What’s the focus of the event?

The event aims to focus on belonging to reverse population decline and strengthen community resiliency.

It also hopes to attract and retain talent to sustain the workforce and foster a greater sense of trust and social cohesion among local government, businesses, nonprofits and those served, the event website states.

What’s the schedule for the day?

Schedule for the day on Sept. 16 will be as follows:

  • 9 a.m. — Races start

  • 10 a.m. — Opening ceremony

  • 5 p.m. — Closing ceremony

The day will also include a global market and affinity fair, cultural performances and immersive activities.

Anyone interested in being a vendor can register on the event's website.

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Where can I learn more?

The event website is newdragonboat.com and people can also find the event on Facebook, or call 920-840-2431 or email info@newdragonboat.com for more details.

Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Oshkosh dragon boat races coming to Leach Amphitheater in Fox Cities