Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County is partnering with 22Dragons of Montreal to host the fifth annual Dragon Boat Race and Festival on July 21 at the Hudson River Rowing Association, in Poughkeepsie. In addition to dragon boat races, the daylong event will feature food trucks, music, local vendors and activities for all ages on the banks of the Hudson River.

In a dragon boat race, families, friends, coworkers and group and club members form teams and compete against each other, paddling 40-foot-long wooden boats down a 200-meter course. Each team comprises 16 paddlers, a drummer and two or three alternates. Competitors can register as teams or register as individuals, in which case they will be placed on a team that needs paddlers.

While the Dutchess Dragon Boat races are going on, the shoreline will be humming with energy as the Riverside Festival provides a wide range of entertainment throughout the day. Admission to the festival is free and open to the public.

For more info or to register, visit DutchessDragonBoat.org or visit Dutchess Dragon Boat Race and Festival on Facebook.