How can I become a vendor for the event?
Vendors can sign up accessing our web site, printing out the application, then submitting to the address provided. You may access some
information on the "vendor link" on the web site. If you are a new vendor, you must contact Julie Riley, our vendor coordinator, at
jriley1288@gmail.com  or (352) 253-5244 so that she can pre-screen you. We want to ensure that we do not duplicate vendors so that each
participant can receive maximum benefit.

Which hotels should we contact for reservation?
Mission Inn (starting at $99/night) & Holiday Inn Express (352) 742-1600.

What is the minimum amount of time a team has to practice?
A team can practice as little or as much as they like. If you are a new team, it is necessary to have at least two 1 hour team training sessions
with as many team members who can make it. During these training sessions, we will teach you the paddle strokes, how to get to the start
line, and some basics.  We will provide up to 3 practices for free. Additional coaching will be provided at $50 per hour. Steerspersons will be
provided based on availability of volunteers as scheduled through the Tavares Chamber of Commerce. Each team who does not have a
steersperson trained within their members, will be provided assistance for 3 team practices. After that, a charge of $50 per practice will apply.
Teams that have participated in prior years DO NOT need to practice prior to the race.

What is the maximum amount of time a team may practice?
Many of our teams are quite competitive, so the festival will provide up to two hours of coaching sessions. After this, you may continue to
practice based on the availability of boats. You may check the availability of boats through the Tavares Chamber of Commerce who will be
coordinating practice schedules beginning the month of February.
When will team practices begin?
The festival will begin offering coached training starting the first week of March. You must call the Tavares Chamber of Commerce to
coordinate a time 352-343-2531.

What additional training is available?
Teams that wish to seriously train and compete may request a “champion trainer” as a coach for 1-2 training sessions. Please alert the
Tavares Chamber of your wish to pre-schedule this special training.

When will race schedules be published on the web site?
We will publish schedules within 3 days of race day.

When will entertainment schedules be published on the web site?
We will publish the entertainment schedule 1 week prior to the event.

What is the minimum age to paddle/drum/steer on a team?
The CFDBF requires that each member be at least 14 years old.

Is a drummer required on each team?
Yes, participation in the CFDBF requires that you have a drummer at the front of the boat that is drumming audibly. This is different than last
year and is an effort to maintain the rich culture and history around dragon boating.

What time should teams arrive on the morning of the races?
All team captains must register, find the tent, and become familiar with the grounds the morning of the race. Out of town teams must make
sure all waivers (waivers found within the Team Captains Handbook found under the link at the bottom of the this page and the home page of
this web site. There will also be a brief team captain meeting at 8:15 in the big tent. We would suggest that you arrive by 7:30 to achieve all of
this.
The Rotary Club of Tavares
Proudly Presents
The 10th Annual Dragon Boat Festival
Coming April 13 & 14, 2012
Frequently Asked Questions