Jackson Free Press

The beats of a drummer will encourage 48 crews as they race to victory in this year's Dragon Boat Regatta on the Ross Barnett Reservoir. The fourth annual race, hosted by the Madison Chamber of Commerce, takes place Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dragon boat racing is a sport that originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. Each boat has 22 crew members consisting of 20 paddlers, one caller and one drummer.

This year, teams are required to have a minimum of eight women paddlers and four alternates. Teams are grouped by profession, with law firms facing law firms, hospitals facing hospitals and so on for bragging rights and a trophy to prove their win. This is the first year the teams have been separated into categories: colleges, banks, law firms and hospitals.

Last year's grand champion, the Ridgeland Fire Department's team, "Fire on the Water," is back to defend its crown. Sgt. Shaun Moody, a paramedic with the fire department, hopes to lead the team to another win this year.

"You can't fix what's not broken," Moody said. "We are coming back this year to win it again, and we're excited to be back to do it again."

Lt. Mike Bullock, a paddler on the team, took a more diplomatic approach. "We have been training really hard and are determined to put on the best show we can," he said.

The event is family oriented with a free kids village 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring space jumps and face painting during the event, located in the public seating and tent area. Once a winner is crowned, the free after party kicks in at Old Trace Park featuring the '80s cover band U.S. out of Memphis, Tenn.

Teams will practice Monday through Wednesday before the Paddler's Party on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Jackson Yacht Club. The Paddler's Party is open to the public (adults only), with a $20 cover charge and will feature Hunter Gibson and the Gators. The Fondren Trolley provides free shuttle service to and from the party and run continuously all night long. For more information, call 601-605-2554, or visit http://www.paddlersontherez.com.