The Tacoma Dragon Boat Association will unleash two crews competing against one another in a thrilling demonstration of dragon boat racing at the 2001 Tacoma Freedom Fair. Twenty paddlers, a drummer, and a steersman make up the crews known as the Destiny Dragons. These competitive crews have raced and placed in international venues in China, Canada, and the Western seaboard. The cross-cultural members range in age from 18 to 76. The exhibition race July 4th at the Tacoma Freedom Fair will feature their sleek new boats, themselves reflective of the international focus of this sport, the fastest growing team sport in the world. The German-made hulls, finished in Canada, proudly reflect the ancient origins of this Chinese sport. The association will offer boat rides, and provide you with a close-up view of the dragonhead and tail adornments of the 41-foot, 550-pound vessels. Look for the demonstration race as part of the Old Navy boat parade at 2 p.m.  Visit the Destiny Dragons at their exhibit in Commencement Park next to the Schuster Parkway overpass and the Old Town Dock. Dragon boat racing, as legend has it, started as a celebration of the death of Ch’u Yuan in fourth century B.C.  The government official threw himself into the Mi Lo river to protest decisions of the king.  The locals, grieving the death of Ch’u Yuan, went to the river to protect the body by scaring the fish and water dragons away with the splashing of oars and the beating of drums.  Today, dragon boat racing provides amusement and athletic competition, but still maintains ceremony from its origins.  Festivals typically start with the blessing of the boats and crews, and eating of rice cakes.