Annual Powerhouse Ministries festival brings competition, community and cause back for third year
The rhythmic beat of drums and the splash of paddles will once again echo across Lake Natoma in just a few weeks as the Powerhouse Ministries Dragon Boat Festival returns for its third year, building on the momentum of two highly successful events that have brought the community together in a powerful and unique way.
Set for Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Black Miners Bar, the third annual festival will begin at 9 a.m., welcoming teams, spectators, and supporters for a full day of competition, camaraderie, and purpose along one of Folsom’s most scenic waterfront settings.
This high-energy festival brings together businesses, organizations, and community members for a day of friendly competition, cultural celebration, and shared purpose. More than just a race, the Dragon Boat Festival supports Powerhouse Ministries’ mission to break cycles of abuse, poverty, incarceration, and homelessness by raising critical funds for programs that create lasting change.
What has quickly become one of Folsom’s most unique and meaningful annual traditions is rooted not just in competition, but in connection—and that was on full display during last year’s event, which transformed the shoreline of Lake Natoma into a vibrant showcase of community spirit.
From the opening heats to the final races, the 2025 festival delivered a full day of action that combined athletic intensity with celebration. Spectators filled the shoreline at Black Miners Bar early in the morning, many bringing chairs and settling in for the day as the first dragon boats launched into the water under clear skies and ideal conditions.
Each race carried its own energy as teams powered forward in perfect rhythm, guided by the beat of their drummers and the calls of their steerspersons. The visual of the brightly colored boats slicing across the water, paired with the roar of cheering crowds, created a setting that felt equal parts sporting event and community festival.
By the end of the day, that energy translated into real impact, with the 2025 event raising approximately $100,000 in donations and pledges to support the work of Powerhouse Ministries—an outcome that highlighted both the generosity of the community and the strength of the event’s mission.
The diversity of participation was equally striking. Teams came from across the region, representing local businesses, churches, service organizations, healthcare providers, youth groups, and community programs. Some teams included experienced paddlers who compete regularly, while many others were first-time participants stepping into a dragon boat for the very first time.
To help level the field, organizers provided professional coaching sessions in the days leading up to the event, giving newcomers the opportunity to learn technique, timing, and teamwork. That preparation paid off, as races throughout the day were competitive, often coming down to fractions of a second at the finish line.
Adding to the atmosphere, teams embraced the spirit of the festival with coordinated outfits, themed costumes, and creative team identities. From spirited uniforms to lighthearted attire, the shoreline buzzed with personality as much as competition. Awards recognized not only race performance, but also fundraising success, team spirit, and creativity—ensuring that every participant had something to strive for beyond the finish line.
The racing itself produced standout moments across multiple divisions. Early heats saw strong performances from a range of teams as they found their rhythm on the water, while later rounds intensified as competitors advanced toward the finals.
In the Powerhouse Grand Final, Lakeside Legends emerged as the top team, delivering a powerful and precise performance that secured the championship. The Resurgence followed closely behind with a determined effort, while the Rotary Club of Folsom rounded out the podium after a day of consistent and spirited racing.
In the club division, experienced teams elevated the level of competition even further, posting some of the fastest times of the day and showcasing the technical precision that defines elite dragon boat racing.
Among those helping drive both participation and visibility since the festival’s inception has been Folsom Mayor Justin Raithel, who has taken part each year alongside the Rotary Club of Folsom. His team—well known for their signature gnome hats and enthusiastic presence—has embraced both the competition and the cause, consistently drawing attention on and off the water.
“Combining beautiful weather, friendly competition and a great cause, Powerhouse Ministries really put on an amazing and unique fundraiser,” Raithel told Folsom Times after his team crossed the finish line in 2025. “Our Rotary team has so much fun, we’re already registered for 2026!”
That early commitment to return reflects a broader trend among participants, many of whom have already made the festival an annual tradition—not just for the racing, but for the opportunity to give back.
Businesses and organizations once again have the opportunity to participate as sponsors or by forming their own paddling teams. Sponsorship offers meaningful visibility within the community, while team participation provides a unique and memorable team-building experience rooted in purpose.
Teams of all experience levels are encouraged to join. Whether representing a company, nonprofit, or simply a group of friends, participants will experience the excitement of racing while contributing to something far greater than the competition itself.
Community members are also invited to attend as spectators and enjoy a full day of racing, entertainment, food vendors, and cultural experiences, continuing the festival atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the event.
“The Powerhouse Ministries Dragon Boat Festival is an incredible way for people to come together, build team spirit, and make a tangible difference in our community,” said Josh Levine, Executive Director. “We’re inviting our community to get involved in whatever way fits them best—on the water, through sponsorship, or by joining us for the day.”
Beyond the excitement of race day, the deeper purpose of the festival remains its driving force. Organized by Powerhouse Ministries, the event supports programs designed to help individuals break free from cycles of addiction, abuse, poverty, and incarceration—offering pathways to stability, recovery, and long-term transformation.
Many of those connected to the organization are not just beneficiaries of those programs, but active participants in the event itself, making each race a powerful reflection of resilience and second chances.
Since its founding in 1992, Powerhouse Ministries has served thousands across the region through residential recovery programs, counseling, job readiness training, and community outreach efforts—impact that continues to expand with the support of events like the Dragon Boat Festival.
The festival’s message remains clear and central to its purpose: hope is real, and change is possible.
For full event details, team registration, sponsorship opportunities, and ways to get involved, visit the official event page HERE. Whether on the water or along the shoreline, the third annual Dragon Boat Festival promises another unforgettable day where sport, community, and cause come together.
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