Free cultural events may seem frivolous to some, but making a city attractive to visitors and potential residents and businesses — not to mention doing so for those already here — requires more than branding or eradicating violent crime. This weekend, the 12th annual Riverfront Dragon Boat and Asian Festival provided another reason for why Hartford is worth spending time in.
Martial arts demonstrations by Ju Long Wu Shu, Malee’s School of Tai Chi and Kung Fu, and Rhode Island Kung Fu and Lion Dance Club took place at the Riverfront plaza on Saturday.
The dragon boat races were held on both Saturday and Sunday, with community and club teams. The City of Hartford – Mayor Segarra team beat out the East Hartford — Mayor Leclerc team in a special race on Saturday.
A variety of Asian cultures were represented in dance on the upper plaza stage over the weekend.
As with most festivals, merchandise and food did not represent only that which might be considered traditional or authentic. Offerings included Japanese pancakes, vegetable tempura, curry puffs, chicken satay, kebobs, and deep fried Oreos.
