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Victoria hosts 21st annual dragon boat race festival this weekend

Ceremonies Friday afternoon kicked off the 21st annual Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat festival at the Ship Point pier.
Dragonboat Races 2015 2
Acting mayor and city councillor Marianne Alto and 6-year-old Jackson Ma take part in the eye dotting ceremony to kick off the 21st annual Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat festival at the Ship Point pier.

Thousands of spectators are expected to join 2500 athletes at the 21st annual Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat festival in the Inner Harbour downtown. The festival runs through Sunday and is expected to draw thousands of spectators.

A traditional Taoist eye dotting ceremony was held at Ship Point pier Friday afternoon to kick off the popular festival.

The festival will feature racing starting at 8am on Saturday and spectators can take in musical acts, food trucks and tents and other entertainment.

The event raises money for the BC Cancer Foundation.