HAMILTON SQUARE, NJ - One of the best community events held at Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ is Paddle for Pink Dragon Boat Festival, hosted by the Machestic Dragons.  Paddle for Pink is New Jersey’s largest community Dragon Boat Festival and 2012 celebrates the sixth anniversary of the festival at Mercer County Park. The festival occurring this year on Sunday, June 3, 2012 raises money for rehabilitation of those individuals that have experienced breast cancer. A local charity, Princeton YWCA Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) is the main benefactor of monies raised at Paddle for Pink.  There is never a charge for the numerous services provided by the BCRC, which includes counseling, education, water aerobics, gentle yoga, art therapy and more.  Last year at Paddle For Pink the Machestic’s raised ten thousand dollars for BCRC.

2009 Machestics Dragons Team photo 

Community participation makes this festival special. Last year 49 teams competed in the exciting races.  The Machestics invite you to form a team to compete in this fun event. Up to 40 paddlers can make up a dragon boat team and race against other teams in their category.  Last year 8 breast cancer survivor teams gathered from the tri state region and in 2012 we welcome back 4 of those teams that have registered early to take advantage of the discounted early bird price.  Teams of area educators, neighbors and friends, business sponsored teams. semi-professionals and teams compiled of all women make up this potpourri of fun lovers that will compete for medals while helping to support this charitable cause. It’s a fun event that benefits local families affected by breast cancer.

All registered teams are given 1 practice on the water with coaching and equipment provided by the Machestics. A free gift to commemorate this event will be distributed to all paddlers at Paddle for Pink. The cost for entering a team in PFP is $800.  Individuals may register, see our website for details.

On land - music, food, entertainment, and shopping awaits your attention. Vendors may reserve a space to support this cause. There will a raffle drawing, silent auction, door prizes, cultural dance and ceremonies.

The Machestic Dragons welcome hands-on support from organizations and individuals as well as donations to make this festival fruitful. .

The Machestics’ president, Carol Watchler invites you to visit our website to get a better understanding of what the Machestics represent, www.machesticdragons.org

To register for Paddle for Pink go to:  www.paddleforpink.org or call 732-890-6136.