As part of the 15^th Annual Riverfest activities Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Phenix City Mayor Eddie Lowe announced the inaugural Mayors’ Cup Dragon Boat Race during the Uptown Concert on Saturday, April 26th at the stage on Broadway.  The race will take place during Uptown Columbus’ 2^nd Annual Dragon Boat Festival.  This is a one of a kind event in a one of kind city! 

On Saturday, May 10, 2014, forty-five teams will be racing down the Chattahoochee River in front of the Coca Cola Space Science Center from 9:00AM until 5:00PM.  The competition will include many local corporate businesses racing against each other, as well as community groups and teams of friends and family.  Teams will also be fundraising as part of the competition.  Individuals and teams that raise the most money will be rewarded.  The proceeds from the fundraising effort will benefit the Children's Miracle Network at the Columbus Regional Medical Center.

Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Lowe will be facing off in one round of dragon boat racing.  The Columbus Municipal Mandarin Mariners will square off against the Phenix City team, God’s Country.  “It’s exciting to see this type of activity with everyone on the river,” said Mayor Teresa Tomlinson.  “I can’t believe I have let Uptown’s Richard Bishop talk me in to a rowing contest against a former CFL (Canadian Football League) player (Mayor Eddie Lowe), but it will be a ton of fun.  Eddie and I are good friends, so we will make a good time of this.”

“This is going to be a must see event,” said Mayor Eddie Lowe. “The fact that we are able to come together and compete for the good of these communities speaks volume, and I am elated to be a part of it.

Starting Friday, May 9, 2014 at 7:00PM., the Uptown Concert Series kicks off River Fest Weekend, featuring ‘The Ultimate Eagle Tribute – On the Border’ on the main stage at Woodruff Park.  The celebration continues Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 9:00AM as the Scout Expo invades Woodruff Park with fun for all ages, featuring geocaching activities, a tomahawk throwing contest, an outdoor cook-off, and archery activities all while enjoying live music on the main stage throughout the day.  Upstream will be just as lively with an array of river activities such as SUP (stand up paddling), kayak demonstrations, boatercross and, of course, rafting.  History enthusiasts enjoy the Whitewater Iron Clads demonstration at RiverWalk Island at 10:00AM, presented by the National Civil War Naval Museum. A destination for food lovers and shopaholics as well, the Dillingham Street Bridge will host food trucks, local eateries and artisan vendors galore. Starting at 7:00PM, festivalgoers end the celebration with LIVE AT THE FILLMORE, The Definitive Tribute to the Original Allman Brothers Band.

Admission is free both days. 

Contact Information:

Richard Bishop – (706) 596-0111

Mayor Teresa Tomlinson – (706) 225-3167

Mayor Eddie Lowe – (334) 448-2701 

Uptown Columbus Dragon Boat Festival Website: http://www.uptowncolumbusdragonboat.com/