The Dragon Festival is returning to St. Paul’s Lake Phalen from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday — the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The festival, which celebrates Asian and Pacific cultures, features Dragon Boat racing in which teams propel ornate long boats across the lake. The history of dragon boat racing dates back 2,400 years ago as a time to commemorate the death of a poet, minister and counselor to the emperor during the Chu dynasty.

There’s also ethnic foods and a variety of cultural activities. A beer garden, a bean bag toss tournament and a fashion show are among the many new additions this year.

Varieties of food from different Asian countries will be available, jewelry and handmade arts and crafts from a variety of Asian backgrounds and ethnicity will be showcased, according to a spokesperson from Dragon Festival.

The aim of the festival is to foster trust and a sense of community among Asian-Pacific communities, enhance pride and honor Asian-Pacific history and culture, according to organizers.

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