Historic Folsom business leads both fundraising and racing in high-energy day of purpose, teamwork and community on Lake Natoma
The rhythmic pounding of drums echoed across Lake Natoma as paddles struck the water in perfect unison, sending long, narrow dragon boats slicing through the morning surface at Black Miners Bar. Along the shoreline, hundreds gathered, leaning forward with each stroke, cheering as 17-person crews moved as one — a blend of timing, strength and trust unfolding in real time.
By the end of the day, one crew dressed as pirates had taken command of it all in their maiden voyage.
Snook’s Candy Pirates — a first-year team led by Jim Snook and his family of Snook’s Chocolates and Candy in Historic Folsom — didn’t just show up to compete in Saturday’s third annual Powerhouse Ministries Dragon Boat Festival. They showed up with purpose, and left with both a championship and a leading role in helping raise approximately $100,000 for the organization’s life-changing programs.
The funds raised go directly toward Powerhouse Ministries programs that help individuals break cycles of addiction, abuse, poverty and incarceration — turning a day of racing into something far more meaningful for those in need across the region.
For a team rooted in one of Folsom’s most recognizable local businesses, the moment carried far beyond the water.
“My wife Renee and I and our family have been in this community a long time now,” said Snook. “We know all the great things Powerhouse Ministries is doing to help those that truly are in need and that’s why we are here today doing this. It’s not about winning, it’s about the cause and helping others.”
That mission was evident long before the final race.
Throughout the morning, more than 200 paddlers rotated through heats that brought together a wide mix of competitors — from first-time community teams to experienced club-level crews that travel and train year-round. Each boat, powered by 17 paddlers moving to the beat of a drummer and guided by a steersperson, required precision timing and total coordination to be competitive.
Early races immediately showcased just how tight the competition would be.
Phoenix Rising opened the day with a 56.120-second win over Lakeside Legends, while Dragon Max, competing in the club division, followed with a blazing 50.450 run to set an early benchmark. By the third race, Snooks Candy Pirates made their presence known, surging to a 50.190 finish ahead of Alameda DragonFlyers and The Rebellious Ones — a performance that turned heads along the shoreline.
From there, the energy only built. Boats launched, reset and launched again in steady rotation as crews dialed in their timing, each stroke hitting the water in rhythm with the drum’s cadence. Spectators lined the beach, some staying for hours, watching the action unfold while enjoying food vendors, music and the festival atmosphere that has quickly made the event one of Folsom’s most dynamic annual gatherings.
On the water, the racing grew more intense with each round.
Snooks Candy Pirates returned in the second set of heats and again delivered, winning Heat 5 in 51.720 seconds over Lakeside Legends and Trinity Paddlers. In Heat 6, Dragon Max posted one of the fastest times of the day at 49.510, while Phoenix Rising secured second and WCC Warriors followed..
Alameda DragonFlyers edged Bayside Buccaneers in Heat 7, and The Rebellious Ones claimed Heat 8 in a tight finish over Ignite Youth and MHF Crazy Critters. Across all divisions, races were often decided by fractions of a second, with boats charging down the final stretch in near-perfect formation.
But beyond the times and finishes, the heart of the event remained its purpose.
“We raised more money today alone than we ever have before on the day of this event,” said Nancy Atchley of Powerhouse Ministries. “The money raised today goes to help real people in the community who are facing incredibly difficult situations. I’ve been doing this for over forty years, and I can tell you that the circumstances people are in are truly desperate.”
Atchley’s message underscored why the Dragon Boat Festival has grown so quickly in both participation and impact.
“Thank you for giving people the opportunity to receive the help they need on their worst day, and for giving them hope and the chance to completely change their lives,” she said.
That impact is rooted in Powerhouse Ministries’ commitment to pairing hope with tangible tools and long-term support — an approach that has evolved over decades. Organizers shared how early efforts that focused primarily on encouragement often fell short without structure, leading to the development of programs like the women and children’s center, which provides stability, resources and a pathway to lasting change.
One story shared during the event illustrated that transformation in powerful terms — a woman who once regained custody of her children through the program now sees her granddaughter building a new future, living independently and pursuing training to become a kindergarten teacher. It’s a multi-generational impact made possible by the very support Saturday’s event helps fund.
Back on the water, the finals delivered the day’s most dramatic moments.
Ignite Youth captured the C Final in 1:00.580, holding off MHF Crazy Critters and WCC Warriors, while Bayside Buccaneers surged to victory in the Minor Final with a 59.180 finish ahead of The Rebellious Ones and Trinity Paddlers. In the Club Division Grand Final, Dragon Max showcased elite-level precision, crossing in 50.050 to edge Alameda DragonFlyers in one of the fastest races of the day.
Then came the final race — the Powerhouse Division Grand Final.As the boats lined up, the shoreline grew quiet in anticipation. The drumbeat started, low and steady, then built as the race launched.
Snooks Candy Pirates exploded off the line. With powerful early strokes and clean timing, they surged ahead within the opening seconds, establishing a clear lead as the boat cut through the water with remarkable efficiency. Behind them, Phoenix Rising and Lakeside Legends fought to keep pace, their paddles churning as the distance narrowed toward the finish.
But the Pirates never gave it back. Stroke by stroke, they maintained their advantage, their rhythm unbroken as they powered down the final stretch. When they crossed the line in 47.600 seconds, the margin was decisive — more than four seconds ahead of Phoenix Rising’s 52.210, with Lakeside Legends finishing third at 52.970.
At the finish, paddles dropped and bodies leaned back in exhaustion as cheers erupted from the shoreline. Teammates along the beach rushed forward, arms raised, as the pirate-clad crew celebrated a moment that was as much about unity and purpose as it was victory.
For a first-year entry made up of family, friends and community members, it was as unexpected as it was impressive.
“I told my team the number one thing we want to do here is fundraise, and the number two thing we wanted to do is win — and we managed to do both,” Snook said. “I can’t thank everyone on our team enough for making this commitment and working hard to do this. We are honored to help a great organization like Powerhouse Ministries.”
Their presence brought an added layer of personality to the event. Dressed in full pirate-themed attire — bandanas, eye patches and coordinated outfits — and blasting their own custom team song along the shoreline, they became a crowd favorite as well as a competitive force.
They were part of a broader field that reflected the strength of the community itself.
Teams representing local churches, healthcare organizations, service clubs, youth groups and businesses filled the race schedule, many returning after experiencing the event’s energy in previous years. Others were stepping into a dragon boat for the first time, benefiting from coaching sessions held in the days leading up to the event as crews practiced on Lake Natoma, learning to find rhythm and move as one.
Off the water, the festival atmosphere remained constant.
Food vendors, community booths and family-friendly activities kept spectators engaged between races, creating a full-day experience that blended sport and celebration seamlessly. The sound of drums, the splash of paddles and the energy of the crowd created a setting that felt both competitive and deeply connected to its purpose.
Folsom Times once again served as a community sponsor, with co-founder Adam Frick returning as emcee, calling races, interviewing participants and helping elevate the event’s energy throughout the day.
“Last year was the first time I had the opportunity to be the emcee for this event and organization,” said Frick. “From the very first race I absolutely fell in love with this event and what it generates for the organization. It’s just amazing. It’s an honor for Folsom Times and myself to be a part of this.”
With each passing year, the Dragon Boat Festival continues to grow — not just in participation, but in meaning.
What began as a community fundraiser has quickly become one of Folsom’s signature events, where competition meets cause and where every paddle stroke carries purpose.
And on this day, the real treasure wasn’t just a championship finish — it was the lives that will be changed because of it.
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