On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Mengrong Taylor, chair of the Peoria Chinese Association and an educator at Illinois Central College, about the Peoria Dragon Boat Race taking place Sept. 13 on the Peoria Riverfront.
Featuring brightly colored boats, rhythmic drumming, synchronized paddlers and cultural activities throughout the day, the event brings a tradition with more than 2,000 years of Chinese history to central Illinois. Taylor explains that dragon boat racing traces its roots to an ancient story of villagers taking to the water in an effort to save a respected poet and statesman, beating drums as they paddled. Over generations, the tradition became an act of remembrance as well as a celebration of community and teamwork.
For Taylor, the race is also an artistic experience. “The dragon boat is like a moving work of art, and the river is like a canvas,” she said, describing the drummer as the heartbeat and the paddles as brushstrokes. “It’s an art of synchronization.”
Beyond the races, visitors can explore Chinese culture through activities including mahjong, ping pong and lantern making. Taylor hopes the celebration creates connections across cultures while giving the Chinese community an opportunity to share traditions that have traveled with families across generations. “No matter where we are, we carry the culture with us, and we share it with other people,” she said. “And then we build something beautiful in a place we now call home.”
The Peoria Dragon Boat Race takes place Sept. 13 on the Peoria Riverfront.
