Objective
Paddle for Pink is the flagship event of the Machestic Dragons, New Jersey’s first breast cancer survivor dragon boat team. This annual festival is more than a race, it’s a powerful community gathering that raises awareness and funds for the team and local breast cancer survivor organization to help them fund important in our community, providing free services to patients and survivors. Join us in celebrating life, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of those affected by breast cancer.
Event Overview
Our race events aim to:
Raise awareness and funds for breast cancer support programs.
Provide a platform for breast cancer survivors to showcase strength and resilience.
Foster community engagement through team participation and volunteerism.
Race categories include:
Breast Cancer Survivor (BCS) Division: Teams composed of breast cancer survivors.
Women’s Sport Division: All-female teams, including survivors and supporters.
Mixed/Open Sport Division: Teams with both male and female paddlers.
Each year, we may introduce special themes to enhance the event’s spirit and community involvement.
About Event
Since its inception in 2007, Paddle for Pink has grown from a modest gathering of 12 teams to a vibrant festival hosting up to 50 teams from several states. The event features exhilarating dragon boat races, a large silent auction, live entertainment, vendors, and contests. A highlight of the day is the “Flowers on the Water” ceremony, where breast cancer teams unite on the lake to honor those touched by the disease, symbolized by pink carnations gently placed on the water’s surface.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Location: Mercer County Park Lake, West Windsor, NJ
Schedule: Full day of dragon boat races, silent auction, live entertainment, food trucks, and the “Flowers on the Water” ceremony.
The festival brings together over 1,000 paddlers, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and spectators, making it a favorite among dragon boat teams and the community alike.
Sponsor Recognition
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors who make Paddle for Pink possible. Their contributions support local breast cancer programs and enhance the festival experience for all attendees.
Registration Process
How to Register a Team:
Visit our Registration Page.
Complete the online registration form with team details.
Submit the required registration fee.
Ensure all team members complete the online waiver.
Registration Fees & Deadlines:
Fees vary based on team type and size; please refer to the registration page for current rates.
Early registration is encouraged to secure your spot; deadlines are typically set a few weeks before the event date.
What’s Included:
Participation in the race event.
Access to team practice sessions (for community/corporate teams).
Paddle for pink - Captain´s Guide
Team Captain Responsibilities:
Complete team registration and ensure payment is processed.
Organize and manage team roster; ensure all waivers are signed.
Coordinate team logistics, including practice sessions and race-day preparations.
Attend the Captain’s Meeting on race day for essential updates.
Distribute wristbands and information to team members.
Resources for Training:
Community and corporate teams are offered one free practice session.
Additional training resources and schedules are available upon request.
Be Part of the Pink Power
Be a part of this inspiring event:
Participate: Form a team and race for a cause.
Volunteer: Lend your time and skills to support event operations.
Donate: Contribute to local breast cancer programs.
Every paddle stroke, volunteer hour, and donation makes a difference. Join us in making Paddle for Pink 2025 a memorable and impactful event.
Silent Auction Preview
Food Trucks
Entertainment
Crazy Uncle
Crazy Uncle is a band that plays Classic Rock, Motown, and an eclectic blend of Dance and Popular Music from the 70’s to now!
Crazy Uncle is comprised of six great friends who have played together for over ten years. The band consists of two lead singers: Michael Nardi, & Jan Campbell, a lead guitarist, Steve Gifford, Pianist Gary Gilbert, Bassist Andrew Myers, and drummer, Michael Krass.
Crazy Uncle is proud to be able to donate their time to play for worthy causes, especially one as meaningful as Paddle for Pink.
You can find out more about Crazy Uncle and hear song samples and see more pictures, and learn about the players at www.crazyuncle.us.
Calling all volunteers! Recruit your friends and family!
We’re looking for volunteers to help at the Machestic Dragons’ 16th Annual Dragon Boat Festival, Paddle for Pink, happening on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Mercer County Park Lake in West Windsor, NJ. This exciting community event brings together around 50 teams to race in support of breast cancer survivors.
Volunteers play a big role in making this event a success. We need help with a variety of tasks throughout the day, including parking assistance, event setup and breakdown, dock support, selling merchandise, checking wristbands, and more. You can volunteer for just a few hours, a half day, or the full day — whatever fits your schedule. Full instructions will be provided before race day.
Anyone aged 12 and up is welcome to volunteer (dock helpers must be at least 16). It’s a fun experience for individuals, families, and groups such as scouts or church members. Students can also request community service certificates. We’re collecting volunteer info now and will send out final assignments in late May.
If you’d like to be part of this meaningful and fun event, please click the link below to complete the volunteer registration form.