By Donna Thornton/News Editor
The weather was mild Aug. 17, but the competition was fierce at the Gadsden-Etowah Habitat for Humanity second annual Dragon Boat Festival in Gadsden.
Thirty-three teams took to the Coosa River at the Gadsden Riverwalk, racing in heats to determine the fastest times.
Taking the Gold medal was Orthopedic Brutes, a team of representatives from Brute Fitness and Northeast Orthopedics, the same team that claimed the top prize last year.
Gold – Brute Fitness and Northeast Orthopedics – Orthopedic Brutes: 01.04.514
Silver – Absolute Fitness and Hampton Inn of Gadsden – The Motley Crew: 01.08.318
Bronze – CrossFit Rabid: 01.08.712
4 – Etowah-Cherokee Board of Realtors – HouseboatOARS: 01.09.135
5 – Meadowbrook Baptist: 01.09.592
6 – Gadsden Public Works – I Hope We Don’t Sink: 01.10.503
7 – Gadsden State Community College – Cardinal Fury: 01.12.272
8 – Team One and North Glencoe Baptist Church – SilveradOARS: 01.12.422
9 – Etowah County Sheriff’s Office – Dragon SlayOARS: 01.12.722
10 – Elite Business Systems – Team Elite: 01.13.256
11 – Surgical Associates of Gadsden – SAOG Paddlers: 01.13.640
12 – Webb Concrete: 01.14.294
But there was more to enjoy than the action on the water. There were vendors and a parade of wildly dressed drummers, as well as food and fellowship in the area where tents were set up for each team.
For some of the teams, spending time in the tent was nothing like roughing it. The “Row-yal Family” team, comprised of members of the Cantrell-Isbell families had a chandelier, candelabras and a veritable feast in their tent.
“We have to live up the name,” joked Ann Inzer, as she manned the tent while the team prepared to race.