Mercer library to host dragon boat presentation

MERCER, Wis. — The Mercer Public Library will host a presentation on dragon boat racing Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m.

Dragon boat racing — featuring 45-foot long boats capable of holding 20 paddlers and decorated with an ornate dragon head at the bow and tail at the stern — is a 2,000-year-old sport with roots in Chinese culture, according to Beth Wetzler. She is organizing an Iron County team to compete in this summer’s dragon boat festival in Minocqua.

Wetzler said the sport is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world and is regulated by the International Dragon Boat Feder...