Watch Dragon Boats Race Along the Tennessee River!

Lillie Beth Warner • May 10, 2023

The Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation's Dragon Boat Race & Festival Returns for its 11th year on May 13th, 2023! Which team will take home the trophy?

The Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation's Dragon Boat Race & Festival is an exciting event that brings together people from all over the community to support a great cause. This annual event is held on the beautiful Tennessee River in Decatur, Alabama, and has become a popular tradition for so many over the years. The Dragon Boat Race & Festival will return for its 11th year at Point Mallard Water Park on May 13th!


The Dragon Boat Race & Festival brings together teams from local businesses, schools, and community organizations who compete for the coveted Dragon Boat Trophy. In addition to the races, there are also food vendors, live music, and a variety of other family-friendly activities.


One of the best things about the Dragon Boat Race & Festival is that they are inclusive and accessible to everyone. You don't need to be an experienced paddler to participate.. All you need is a team of 20 people who are willing to work together and have fun.


The heart of the event is the racing itself. Teams train for weeks in advance, honing their skills and perfecting their technique to ensure they're in top shape for race day. The races are fast-paced and exciting, with teams paddling furiously to outpace their rivals and cross the finish line first.

The Dragon Boat Races are a unique and thrilling competition where teams of 20 paddlers, one drummer, and one steerer race their boats to the finish line. The boats used in the races are long and narrow, with a dragon head and tail attached to the bow and stern. The teams paddle in unison, with the drummer setting the pace and the steerer directing the boat.


The event is not only a fun day out for participants and spectators, but it is also an important fundraiser for the Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports Decatur Morgan Hospital and its efforts to provide high-quality healthcare to the local community.


By Joshua Bachuss July 18, 2025
No matter what type of food sounds good to you, Decatur has good restaurants that fall under every single category! Here is a guide to the most popular menu items at the best restaurants in Decatur!
By Joshua Bachuss July 7, 2025
The Princess Theatre has two live productions coming up in the month of July that you do not want to miss!
By Joshua Bachuss June 27, 2025
You've heard of Third Friday, but have you heard of this brand-new downtown Decatur social gathering? Here's a list of the things that Second on 2nd offers!
By Emma Martin June 9, 2025
Decatur, Alabama, is gearing up for a vibrant and meaningful Juneteenth celebration this year, honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and recognizing the enduring struggle for equality. This important holiday, Juneteenth, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery. This was nearly two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Black Texans began celebrating the day in 1866, and it has evolved into a widely observed holiday. The Juneteenth holiday is a day for reflection, education, and community celebration. Want to celebrate Juneteenth? Morgan County has a weekend packed with events that celebrate Black history, culture, and achievement! Check out these events... Saturday, June 14th: A Day of Unity and Celebration Morgan County NAACP Juneteenth Parade From Downtown Decatur to A.C. Banks Park 9 AM - 2 PM Kick off the Juneteenth festivities with the annual Morgan County NAACP Parade! This celebratory procession will wind its way from downtown Decatur, culminating at A.C. Banks Park. Join us as we march in unity, showcasing community spirit, honoring our heritage, and looking towards a future of continued progress. Bring your chairs, find a good spot, and cheer on the participants!
By Emma Martin May 14, 2025
Your Guide to an Epic Memorial Day Weekend: 10 Things to Do in Decatur, Alabama!
By Emma Martin April 21, 2025
With summer just around the corner, you're likely on the lookout for fun ways to keep your kids active and entertained. Check out our Top 10 favorite kid-friendly experiences!
By Emma Martin April 4, 2025
Step Into the Story: April Walking Tours & Storyteller Sips in Decatur
By Danielle Gibson March 24, 2025
Bleisure: The Hottest New Tourism Trend
By Emma Martin February 21, 2025
In the heart of Old Town Decatur, Alabama, First Missionary Baptist Church stands as a beacon of resilience, faith, and history. Established in 1866 by 21 formerly enslaved individuals, the church has not only served as a spiritual home for its congregation but also as a significant symbol of African American perseverance and architectural heritage. The church's beginnings trace back to the home of Jane Young, where its founding members gathered under the leadership of Rev. Alfred Peters, the first pastor. Initially, services were held in a modest storefront along the Tennessee River, embodying the dedication and commitment of its members despite limited resources. In 1873, the congregation took a significant step forward by purchasing a building from a white Methodist congregation, establishing a more permanent place of worship.First Missionary Baptist Church's current home, constructed in 1921, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical Romanesque architecture, designed by the renowned Wallace Augustus Rayfield. Rayfield, a trailblazing African American architect, is best known for designing the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which became a tragic yet powerful symbol of the Civil Rights Movement following the 1963 bombing. His influence is evident in the thick brick walls, rounded arches, towering structures, and striking stained-glass windows of First Missionary Baptist Church, which shares design elements with its Birmingham counterpart. Throughout its history, First Missionary Baptist Church has been more than a place of worship; it has been a pillar of the African American community in Decatur. During the era of segregation and Jim Crow laws, the church became a hub of resistance and advocacy. Notably, during the infamous Scottsboro Boys trials of the 1930s, the church provided a safe space for meetings between defense attorneys and prospective jurors, demonstrating its commitment to justice and equality. While the church remains a cornerstone of Decatur's African American community, it has faced its share of struggles as years have gone by. Despite these challenges, the congregation remains steadfast in preserving this historic landmark. Efforts are underway to restore and maintain the building, with hopes of transforming it into a destination for Civil Rights education, historical tours, architectural enthusiasts and more.  First Missionary Baptist Church is more than just a structure; it is a living testament to faith, endurance, and cultural heritage. Its story, interwoven with the broader narrative of African American history in the South, deserves recognition and preservation for future generations. With ongoing community support, this historic church can continue to serve as an enduring symbol of resilience and progress.
By Emma Martin January 21, 2025
Decatur Now and Then
More Posts