To avoid a sensation of sheer confusion upon spotting hoards of long boats with decorated dragon heads on their bows, read on: 52 teams will take on one another in the races of the Half Moon Dragon Boat Festival. The event, similar to the as-seen-on-TV Chinese New Year shindig, will be Saturday, Aug. 6, on the beach of Half Moon Lake for the second consecutive year. Mayo Clinic hosts the event to emphasize the importance of working in teams and creates a healthy, fun community environment. Nothing brings people together like paddling 250 meters to victory in Hong Kong-style boats! Festival admission is free, but proceeds from activities, food, and music will support the clinic’s hospice services. The money raised will allow the clinic to continue to provide the most comfortable experiences, and to give patients the ability to “race to the finish on their terms,” according to the event’s webpage. Teams will sport costumes and creative names, and spectators are encouraged to come, enjoy the spectacular races, and cheer on their favorite dragon boats. 

Half Moon Dragon Boat Festival • Saturday, Aug. 6 • 9am to 4pm • Half Moon Beach, 615 Randall St., Eau Claire • FREE • mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/eau-claire