For the 23rd year the Penticton Dragonboat Festival is set to take over Skaha Lake with dozens of boats and hundreds of athletes. 

From Sept. 7 to 8, boat races will be kicking off every 12 minutes as more than 1,500 paddlers hit the water. 

鈥淲e are excited to welcome athletes and the community back to Skaha Lake for another unforgettable festival,鈥� said Launa Maundrell, President of the Penticton Paddle Sports Association. 鈥淭he energy and camaraderie that this event brings to our community is something truly special, and we look forward to celebrating the spirit of dragon boating with everyone.鈥�

In addition to the races on both days, there will be plenty of food trucks, a vendors market and a beverage garden. 

Racing starts 8 a.m. on Saturday and 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, with the second round of races starting at 11:45 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. respectively. 

The Greatest Steersperson in the World Challenge starts after regular racing on Saturday afternoon, which is expected around 3 p.m.

The festival's annual Breast Cancer Survivor Ceremony is scheduled to start at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, with the special races dependent on registration of teams in addition to local Survivorship team. 

Skaha Lake Beach and Skaha Lake Park will offer ideal settings for team tents and spectator viewing.

With the amount of people expected to be drawn to the area over the weekend, expect slow traffic around Skaha Lake Park and packed parking. 

The entire festival weekend is free to attend and the public is invited to come down and cheer on the boaters.