3rd Annual Powerhouse Ministries event brings paddles, purpose and community back for third year
The rhythmic beat of drums and the splash of paddles are no longer just on the horizon—they’re already echoing across Lake Natoma as teams prepare for the return of the Powerhouse Ministries Dragon Boat Festival this Saturday.
Set for this Saturday, at Black Miners Bar State Park, the third annual festival will begin at 9 a.m., bringing together competitors, spectators, and supporters for a full day of racing, community celebration, and purpose-driven action along one of Folsom’s most scenic waterfront settings.
In the days leading up to race weekend, Lake Natoma has already taken on the unmistakable energy of the event. Teams have been out on the water at Black Miners Bar, practicing in real time where they will soon compete, working to find rhythm, refine timing, and build the coordination needed to move as one.
From first-time paddlers learning how to match strokes and listen to the beat of the drummer, to returning teams dialing in their race pace and pushing for faster times, the shoreline has been alive with activity. Boats launch, reset, and launch again as crews repeat drills, communicate, and grow more confident with each run. Even before race day, the festival has already begun.
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.
That purpose has helped fuel rapid growth since the event’s debut, and it was on full display during last year’s festival, which transformed the shoreline of Lake Natoma into a vibrant, all-day celebration.
Colorful boats, synchronized paddlers, and cheering spectators lined both the water and the shore as the 2025 event unfolded. From the opening heats in the morning through the final races in the afternoon, the energy never faded. Each launch brought a surge of excitement as teams powered forward in tight formation, guided by the steady cadence of their drummers and the calls of their steerspersons.
By the end of the day, that energy translated into real impact. The festival raised approximately $100,000 in donations and pledges, reinforcing its place as one of the region’s most meaningful community-driven fundraisers.
Participation told its own story. Teams representing local businesses, churches, service clubs, youth groups, healthcare providers, and community organizations filled the race schedule. Some arrived with experienced paddlers who train year-round and travel to compete, while many others stepped into a dragon boat for the very first time.
To ensure those first-time crews were ready, organizers provided professional coaching sessions leading up to the event, giving teams a crash course in technique, timing, and teamwork. That preparation was evident throughout the races, which were often tightly contested and decided by fractions of a second.
Adding to the atmosphere, teams brought personality and creativity to the water. Coordinated outfits, themed costumes, and spirited team names filled the shoreline with color and character. Awards recognized not only speed, but also fundraising achievements, team spirit, and creativity, reinforcing the balance between competition and camaraderie.
The racing itself delivered memorable moments across every division. Early heats set the tone as teams battled to establish position, while second-round races intensified the competition. Some matchups produced dramatic finishes, including razor-thin margins that required close timing to determine winners.
As the finals approached, the stakes rose. In the D Final, teams found redemption after earlier setbacks, while the C Final featured a tight contest of endurance and strategy. The Minor Final saw strong performances as teams pushed for a podium finish.
Then came the Powerhouse Grand Final, where Lakeside Legends surged off the line and never looked back, delivering a precise and powerful run to claim the top title. The Resurgence followed with a determined effort to secure second place, while the Rotary Club of Folsom completed the podium after a consistent and spirited showing throughout the day.
In the club division, elite-level teams brought another level of speed to the water. Experienced crews posted some of the fastest times of the entire event, showcasing the technical precision and power that define high-level dragon boat racing.
Beyond the water, the shoreline experience played an equally important role in the day’s success. Spectators filled Black Miners Bar, many staying for hours to watch the races, enjoy food vendors, explore community booths, and take in the festival atmosphere. The event blended sport and celebration seamlessly, creating a destination experience for families and supporters alike.
Among those helping drive 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 become a recognizable part of the event’s personality.
“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!”
This year, that enthusiasm continues to grow. According to Jon Ingraham, Director of Development for Powerhouse Ministries, more than 200 paddlers have already signed up to participate in Saturday’s festival.
Ingraham said that while participation is strong, a limited number of spots are still available for those who want to join a team, encouraging interested paddlers to sign up soon as those openings are expected to fill quickly. He also noted that some teams are still working toward their fundraising goals and could benefit from additional community support through donations.
Businesses and organizations once again have the opportunity to participate as sponsors or by forming their own paddling teams, offering both visibility and a unique team-building experience rooted in purpose.
Teams of all experience levels are encouraged to join. Whether representing a company, nonprofit, or 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, making it a fun, family-friendly event for all.
“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.
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.
For full event details, team registration, sponsorship opportunities, and ways to get involved, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/dragonboat2026/. Additional information is also available at phmfolsom.org/events. Whether on the water or along the shoreline, this Saturday’s Dragon Boat Festival promises another unforgettable day where sport, community, and cause come together in one powerful experience.
Powerhouse Ministries is dedicated to ending cycles of abuse, poverty, incarceration, and homelessness by providing holistic programs that empower individuals and families to achieve lasting stability and transformation.
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