Friday evening begins with the Novice Cup races where novice teams experience their first dragon boat race with the sound of ‘starter has the race’ followed by an air horn. This friendly competition starts the race component of the festival 7:30 pm and sets the weekend spirit while providing great entertainment to all observers. This is a great evening for family, friends, non-paddlers and paddlers of all ages and of all skill levels to unite and join in together to partake in the celebration of this ancient sport.