The Asian Water Festival is an annual event that takes place at the Tacoma, Washington waterfront and is organized by the Cambodian Outreach Program based in Tacoma. The festival first took place in August 2004 and consisted only of a dragon boat race. According to the organizers, mid-August is not the traditional time of Southeast Asians festivals, but the mid-August weather is normally perfect for such a sporting event. Since then, it has gained popularity among the Laotian and Cambodian community of Western Washington and Oregon. The dragon boat race event has expanded to include live music and Laotian, Cambodian and Hmong traditional dances as part of the attraction.

A dancer performing the traditional Laotian dance.

The Cambodian band playing both classic and modern Cambodian songs to keep the audience entertained between races.

Team Kirkland Spitfires and their supporters parading to the boat dock as their turn came up to compete with two other teams. The Spitfires epitomizes the spirit of the festival. If there were prizes for high energy and spirit, the Kirkland Spitfires would take first place. They were the crowd favorite. Their team tent also made the best curry beef and barbeque chicken.

One of the LVC Brotherhood team member (Laos Vietnam & Cambodia) enjoying his ice coffee after a race. LVC came in 5th place in the final, which was not a big surprise because they partied the night before and practiced together only twice all year.

Miss Thun from Auburn, Washington is a spectator who hopes her baby will someday be on a winning dragon boat team. If her baby has her spirit, there is little doubt her child will grow up to be a successful dragon boat racer.

Spectators showing their support by sporting their team colors. The turnout for this year’s was lower than last year’s because of unpredictable weather.

Team Laos from Seattle, Washington coming up from the loading dock and winning first place in the quarter final.

Friendship and goodwill among competitors. A Team Extreme member, in red, greets a Team Laos member. Team Extreme came in second in the final, which did not surprise most people because the team seemed to have the highest testosterone level.

Team Extreme team photo.

Team Oregon United members getting ready on their boat. They were the only team to represent Oregon this year. Because of forecast for unpredictable weather, several teams decided not to participate this year.

Teams getting into position.

And they are off!

The band for Team Kirkland Spitfires. The other team can hear the band music for miles away.

In the winner’s circle, the Tacoma Nagas took third place this year.

Team Extreme, also from Tacoma, took second place.

This year’s 2007 grand champion is Team Laos from Seattle which took first prize.

Mr. Felix is a Latin dance instructor and was this year’s addition to the post-boat race festivities. He was to spice up the event, but the rain cut short the festival. He promises to return next year.

Mr. Daran Kravanh is the President and Board Director of the Cambodian American Support Network.

Volunteers at the Cambodian American Support Network.