Festival

This is where you will find everything you need to know about attending the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival: schedule, site logistics, getting to the festival, and much more.

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2010 Entertainment Line-up

Free live all-ages shows will include:

Friday, June 18th:

5:00 pm → Royal Oak Pubs Beer Garden Opens

5:30 pm → DJ Juchi “Oddessy” Jobim

7:30 pm → Shanneyganock – East Coast Party (BBQ & Beer Garden Open)

Saturday, June 19th:

11:00 am → Royal Oak Pubs Beer Garden Opens 

                  → DJ Juchi “Oddessy” Jobim

12:00 pm → Rattling Tro Tro leading parade from CN “All Aboard” Team Staging Area to The Royal Oak Pubs Main Tent

12:30 pm → Opening Ceremonies

1:00 pm   → Ceremonial Lion Dance

1:30 pm   → MonkeyJunk

3:30pm    → Bedouin Soundclash

5:30 pm   → Mighty Popo (2^nd set after Awards Ceremony)

6:00 pm   → Awards Ceremony

Sunday, June 20th:

11:00 am → DJ Juchi “Oddessy” Jobim

12:00 pm → JW Jones

                  → Royal Oak Pubs Beer Garden Opens

1:30 pm   → 54∙40

3:30 pm   → Closing Ceremonies Begin

  

MORE ABOUT THE BANDS...

  

Bedouin Soundclash

Bedouin Soundclash formed in 2001, naming the group after Israeli fusion artist/producer Badawi's 1996 release - which pays homage to nomadic Arabic poet tribe the Bedouins. Unlike most musicians who try to mimic their musical idols, Bedouin Soundclash forges their own musical path creating music embodying each member's personal and diverse musical preferences, creating their own innovative fusion of Reggae, Rock, Punk and Soul.

2005's sophomore release Sounding A Mosaic exploded onto commercial radio and video stations across Canada with the hit single "When The Night Feels My Song". The song's massive rise to popularity started when the track was featured in a national Zeller's commercial and ended up scoring the band a #1 video on MuchMusic, the #2 most played track at Canadian radio, "Best New Group or Solo Artist (CHR)" award at the Canadian Radio Music Awards 2006, and a JUNO for "New Group of The Year" in 2006!

With sold out shows across Canada, and performances all over the world including the renowned Leeds and Reading Festivals, London's V-Fest, and PuklePop, Bedouin Soundclash brings their soulful, energetic live show around the world once again this year.

 

MonkeyJunk

Legendary delta bluesman Son House spoke about a passion for his music and was quoted as saying "I'm talkin’ 'bout the blues. . . I ain't talkin' 'bout monkey junk!" MonkeyJunk is a band that draws heavily on the legends of the blues and translates that influence into a contemporary blend of swamp R&B, soul boogie and bedroom funk. This triple threat trio comprised of STEVE MARRINER, TONY D and MATT SOBB draws on ALMOST 60 years of combined experience playing blues live and in studio . . . and it shows.

54-40

5440 are one of the most important popular music groups to emerge from the Canadian cultural landscape. With more than 2 decades of performing and recording behind them, the band has an unbelievable catalogue of hit songs. Lead by chief songwriter Neil Osborne, 5440 have carved out a legacy of gold and platinum albums and a outstanding reputation for their live performances that carries through to this day.

Over 25 years, 2000 performances, and 16 releases the secret to 5440's longevity is their ability to redefine and reinvent themselves, taking long time 5440 fans on a ride that is bound to pick up new young fans on the way. To experience 5440 in concert is to experience how songs have touched and continue to touch people's lives.

From people who have followed the band from their humble beginnings in east Vancouver to new young fans that have discovered the truly original band that is 5440, a 5440 concert is an extraordinary affair that bridges the gaps of generations through a shared love of music.

JW Jones

"One of this country's top blues guitar stars" writes the Globe and Mail about 29-year old, JW-Jones.

JW-Jones has one of the most energetic and exciting live shows on the scene. It is no surprise that he has played throughout the world (CANADA, USA, EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, BRAZIL) and some of the biggest names in blues today, including The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Rod Piazza, Anson Funderburgh with Sam Myers, The Mannish Boys and the legendary Hubert Sumlin have invited him to join them on stage.

During a special appearance with the band, Hollywood celebrity and fan, Dan Aykroyd said, "this is an amazing blues band, and I've played with the best!" Mr. Aykroyd wrote the liner notes for the 2008 release ‘Bluelisted’.

The buzz this band has created over the last decade has earned them a national award - the Maple Blues Award for Electric Act of the Year, and rave reviews throughout the globe. Jones has been featured by Blues Revue Magazine and can be found in the books All Music Guide to Blues and Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings.

Canada's Top Touring Blues Act, Jones and his band are born entertainers, and with their unique sound, they continue to set the world on fire one country at a time!

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Festival Event Schedule

At the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, you will see much more than just dragon boat races - we strive to provide something for the whole family to enjoy.

Below are some photos of the various types of activities you will experience while on site and the 2010 entertainment schedule:

 

Royal Oak Pubs Main Tent/Beer Garden Schedule

 

Friday, June 18th:

5:00 pm → Royal Oak Pubs Beer Garden Opens

5:30 pm → DJ Juchi “Oddessy” Jobim

6:30 pm → Team Captain’s Meeting and Wristband Distribution

7:30 pm → Shanneyganock – East Coast Party (BBQ & Beer Garden Open)

Saturday, June 19th:

11:00 am → Royal Oak Pubs Beer Garden Opens

                  → DJ Juchi “Oddessy” Jobim

12:00 pm → Rattling Tro Tro leading parade from CN “All Aboard” Team Staging Area to The Royal Oak Pubs Main Tent

12:30 pm → Opening Ceremonies

1:00 pm   → Ceremonial Lion Dance

1:00 pm   → Jubliee Fine Jewellers VIP Tent opens

1:30 pm   → MonkeyJunk

3:30pm    → Bedouin Soundclash

5:30 pm   → Mighty Popo (2^nd set after Awards Ceremony)

6:00 pm   → Awards Ceremony

 

Sunday, June 20th:

11:00 am → DJ Juchi “Oddessy” Jobim

12:00 pm → JW Jones

                  → Royal Oak Pubs Beer Garden Opens

12:00 pm → Jubilee Fine Jewellers VIP Tent opens

1:30 pm   → 54∙40

3:30 pm   → Closing Ceremonies Begin

 

 

Tim Hortons Children’s Area

Come out and join the fun at the Tim Hortons Children’s Area…fun for the whole family!!

Children's Area Hours:

Saturday, June 19th: 9:30am-4:30pm

Sunday, June 20th: 9:30am-3:30pm

Tim Hortons Children's Area Stage Schedule:

Saturday, June 19th:

10:00 am → Chris Pilsworth, Illusionist        

11:00 am → Little Ray’s Reptile Show

12:00 pm → Spartacat’s Arrival

1:00 pm   → Radical Science

2:00 pm   → Circus Montreal

3:00 pm   → Chris Pilsworth, Illusionist

4:00 pm   → Little Ray’s Reptiles 

Sunday, June 20th:

10:00 am → Circus Montreal

11:00 am → Little Ray’s Reptiles

12:30 pm → Radical Science

1:30 pm   → Chris Pilsworth, Illusionist

2:30 pm   → Little Ray’s Reptiles 

 

 

Roving Entertainment

 

Rattling Tro Tro Drum Ensemble will be on site Saturday June 19^th and will be leading our Conga Line to the main tent for the opening ceremonies!  Be sure not to miss their show on the beach directly after the ceremonies and feel free to join in!!

Galitcha will be performing a Tapestry of World Music & Bollywood Dance Demonstrations throughout the site. Be sure to join in and join in the fun! 

Colores Andinos is back by popular demand and will be performing blends of traditional and contemporary rhythm and songs, offering a genuine and wide panorama of the past and present of Latin American culture. 

The 501^st Legion Star Wars costume fan club was by far one of the most popular attractions in dragon boat history!  They are back and will be on site all weekend bringing a balance to the force at the Dragon Boat Festival! 

The Taoist Tai Chi Society will be performing a moving Tai Chi demonstration on the beach by the bleachers on Sunday June 20^th shortly after the Breast Cancer Flower Ceremony.  Be sure not to miss it! 

CHECK OUT OUR 2010 OTTAWA CITIZEN PROGRAM INSERT (appearing in June 12th Ottawa Citizen throughout the city)

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Location/Parking Info

The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is held at Mooney's Bay Park on Riverside Drive. View map. Mooney's Bay Park is located 1.5 kilometers south of the Riverside Drive and Baseline Road intersection. The Park is 1/2 kilometer north of the Riverside Drive and Walkley Road intersection. Riverside Drive is accessible directly from the Queensway (Highway 417). Look for the Riverside South exit.

 

Off-Site Parking & OC Transpo Shuttle Busses

There is free off-site parking and OC Transpo Shuttle Busses.  The shuttle stops are at the Rideau Centre/Mackenzie King Bridge Upper Deck, with stops at Metcalfe& Albert, Bronson & Somerset and at Carleton University Lot #7 (Bronson & University).  Free off-site parking is available at Carleton University Lot #7, and the Canada Post Headquarters (Riverside Drive & Heron Rd).  On Festival weekend, please visit www.octranspo.com, or phone 613-741-4390 for full schedule details.  

Bicycle Parking

Free bicycle parking is available on site.  Help us help the environment and consider riding your bike to this year’s festival.  Help even more by making a donation to the Foundation pledge tent.

 

NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED ON SITE
Alcohol is only allowed in the designated beer garden and main tent area. No alcohol is permitted in the team tent area or anywhere else in Mooney's Bay Park.

NO SMOKING ALLOWED ON SITE
The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is proud to be a non-smoking event. No smoking on festival grounds - we all share the same air!

NO BBQs ALLOWED ON SITE
No personal BBQs allowed anywhere on site.

FESTIVAL MAP:

Click here to view the 2010 Festival Site Map

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Accommodations

Experience a warm welcome and true hospitality the moment you arrive. Conveniently situated only 10 minutes from Mooney's Bay Park, the hotel is just 15 minutes from Ottawa International Airport and only steps away from Parliament Hill, the Byward Market and local attractions.

At the end of your races, relax in Sasha's Bar, connect with friends in the Link@Sheraton or settle into one of our spacious guest rooms for a comfortable evening.

Great rate for Dragon Boat Teams and supporters

To visit the Sheraton Ottawa dragon boat reservation centre, please click here.

                 

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Festival FAQs

When is the festival? June 18th-20th, 2010 (races held on Saturday & Sunday)

Where is it held? Mooney’s Bay Park on Riverside Drive, Ottawa, Ontario 

Is there a fee to attend the festival? No, there is no site admission fee and it is open to the public.

Is there entertainment on site? Yes, various entertainers are performing throughout the weekend in the Main Tent and other locations on site. Past performers have included Skydiggers, Jeff Healey and the Jazz Wizards, The Arrogant Worms, Lynn Miles, Lonesome Paul, Amanda Rheaume and Mighty Popo. We also present various cultural and heritage activities including Six String Nation, Taiko Drummers, Lion Dancers and local ethnic folklore groups who bring colour, sound and rich texture to our event. For a complete list of 2010 entertainment please click here.

Is this a family event? Yes, we offer various family/children focused activities including the Tim Hortons Children’s Area and Roving Entertainment including a Children’s Area Stage. Past entertainers have included Chris Pilsworth, Little Ray’s Reptiles, Radical Science and Circus Montreal. For a complete list of 2010 children's entertainment please click here.

Where can I park? The festival offers free parking and uses OC Transpo buses. The shuttle stops are at the Rideau Centre/Mackenzie King Bridge Upper Deck, with stops at Metcalfe & Albert, Bronson & Somerset, and at Carleton University Lot #7 (Bronson & University). Free parking is available at Carleton University Lot #7 and Canada Post Headquarters (Riverside & Heron). On festival weekend visit www.octranspo.com or phone 613-741-4390 for full schedule details. PLEASE NOTE: There is no public parking available on site.

Can I park my bicycle on site? Free bicycle parking is available on site.  Help us help the environment and consider riding your bike to this year’s festival.  Help even more by making a donation to the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation in its onsite Pledge Tent.

Can I carpool with other participants or spectators who are visiting the festival? Yes, absolutely! We encourage carpooling and you can connect with other attendees by visiting www.ottawaridematch.com or www.ottawacarpool.ca.

Where is the best view of the races? Bleachers will be available on the beach area near the finish line to allow spectators an opportunity to view the entire race from start to finish.

When is the Opening Ceremonies? The Opening Ceremonies will be held at 12:30pm in the Main Tent on Saturday, June 19th, 2010. Entertainment and dragon boating traditions will be a part of this ceremony.

Will there be food and refreshments available on site? Yes, numerous food vendors offer a variety of food and beverages throughout the weekend. A Beer Garden is also set up next to the Main Tent. Patrons must be 19 years of age or older to access this area. Proof of ID is required.

Is there an ATM available on site? Yes, an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) is available on site in the exhibitor area.

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Contact Us

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS:

9am-4pm, Monday-Thursday

Please note that our office will be closed on July 1st, July 19th and 20th, August 2nd, and the week of August 30th-Sept 6th.

For general inquiries about the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, please contact the Festival office at the following co-ordinates:

180 Kent Street
Unit 4
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 0B6

Tel: (613) 238-7711
Fax: (613) 565-2662

Email us by completing the form below:

Team or Race Related Inquiries
Shelley  Freake - Team Services Manager
Click here to Contact
Phone: (613) 238-7711 ext. 226

Site Logistics or Entertainment Related Inquiries
Mark  Morrison - Logistics Manager
Click here to Contact
Phone: (613) 238-7711 ext. 227

Volunteer Related Inquiries
Jessica Main
Click here to Contact
Phone: (613) 238-7711 ext. 222

Artisan, Vendor, Exhibitor or Concession Related Inquiries
Russel MacDonald - Special Events Assistant
Click here to Contact
Phone: (613) 238-7711 ext. 228

Sponsorship or Media Related Inquiries
Leah Barton - Development Officer
Click here to Contact
Phone: (613) 238-7711 ext. 221

Foundation Related Inquiries
Jennifer Mackiddie - Foundation Coordinator
Click here to Contact
Phone: (613) 238-7711 ext. 223