On Saturday, June 13, 2026, Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival returns to Little Lake at Del Crary Park to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
For a quarter century, the Festival has united survivors, families, paddlers, volunteers, and sponsors in support of cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Hosted by the Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team, the Festival began as a powerful expression of strength and solidarity among breast cancer survivors. It has grown into one of the region’s largest community-led fundraisers supporting regional cancer care. Since 2001, this extraordinary community event has raised more than $4.9 million.
“What an achievement it is to be celebrating 25 years of paddling on Little Lake in support of cancer care at PRHC,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “The Festival is an absolutely remarkable testament to what a community can achieve when we all come together for a cause that touches so many lives. We’re so grateful to every single organizer, paddler, donor, sponsor, volunteer, and member of the Survivors Abreast team who pour their energy, passion and generosity into this wonderful event every year.”
The need has never been greater. Last year alone, the Health Centre saw more than 23,000 cancer patient visits. As diagnoses continue to rise, so does the demand for timely, accurate testing and advanced treatment options. Funds raised during this year’s silver anniversary Festival will continue to support the PRHC Foundation’s $70 million Campaign for PRHC.
While race day at Del Crary Park is filled with energy and celebration, the Festival’s true legacy is measured in the thousands of patients who benefit from improved access to cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment at PRHC. It’s an honour to be the beneficiary of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival, and on behalf of patients and their families, thank you to everyone who helps make this spirited fundraiser such a success year after year. We can’t wait to celebrate 25 years with you.
Registration is now open. Sign up or learn more here. #PaddlesUp #GetintheBoat