Tom Reed Splash A spectator watches boats glide down Lake Lanier during last year's Head of the Chattahoochee regatta. Scott Rogers Splash Lanier Rowing Club members prepare to leave the water at sunset after a day of practice at the Lake Lanier Olympic Center boathouse.

Despite school being back in session and area pools closing for winter, there's still a full slate of water activities planned at the Lake Lanier Olympic Center this fall.

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

On Sept. 10, the 10th annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival returns to the venue that played host to the 1996 Olympic canoe, kayak and rowing events.

"It is to increase awareness of Hong Kong," said Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club executive director Connie Hagler. "They have invested in eight boats that are here permanently."

The middle school racing league uses the Clarks Bridge facility throughout the year.

"It's a great community opportunity," said Hagler, adding that the boats were used for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Tour last April. "They are really, really fun the first time out."

The boats are built for 14-20 people, sitting two people per seat, within a 38-foot, 800-pould fiberglass frame. The colorful creations feature a dragon's head at the prow and a tail at the stern.

The competition moves at a fast pace, skimming over the 500-meter course in about three minutes. First, second and third place trophies are awarded in Open, Female, Mixed, BCS (Breast Cancer Survivors), Collegiate, High School, Law Firms and Recreational divisions.

"It's a fun thing for a group to do together," added Hagler about the possibility of new divisions forming if at least two teams are organized for the event. "This is a chance for people to try it and have a good time."

Entry fee is $600 for teams of 20. Up to three practices and instruction are included with the fee. Participants can register at www.hongkongatlanta.com.

The event is organized by the Hong Kong Association of Atlanta, but the Lanier Olympic Center assists with the festival as a partner. Music, food and entertainment are also planned for the day's event.

Events start at 8 a.m., followed by an Eye Dotting Ceremony, a Hong Kong Lion Dance, and more Dragon Boat competition from 1-3 p.m.

Hagler estimated about 300 people attended last year's festival. There is no fee for spectators.

Lanier Cup Regatta

Following the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club members that just returned from the Junior World Championships will race every three minutes at 200-meter distances in the Lanier Cup Regatta.

"They will be constantly circling around," said Hagler about the exciting afternoon competition, beginning at 3:30 p.m., after the Dragon Boat Festival on Sept. 10.

"It's a way to let people see the ones that have gone to the Junior World and Senior World Championships," Hagler said.

Purses ranging from $50-500 will be available to winners in men's and women's Open, Junior, Mixed, and Masters K1 (single kayak), C1 (single canoe), K2 (doubles kayak) and K4 (four-person kayak) divisions.

There will also be a relay highlighted, which is not normal for most competitions. Squads will compete using a K4, two K2s and a K1, starting at the finish line going the wrong direction with any boat they choose. The idea behind the event is applying strategy toward boat choices as the event progresses.

"They'll be trying to figure it out and they'll have to pass a baton between boats, which should be fun to watch," said Hagler.

A distance event also is planned, along with music, food and entertainment.

Richardson Racing League Middle School Fall Challenge Regatta

On Oct. 1, the Richardson Racing League Middle School Fall Challenge Regatta returns for its fall run. About 180-middle school-aged children compete each spring and fall, after practicing twice a week throughout the year.

The children, mostly Hall County students, learn a multitude of life skills, not only at the regatta, but throughout the practices as well.

"It's fun stuff," said Hagler. "It's an intro to team-building, and balance. It's fun."

The canoe and kayaking event begins at 8 a.m. and runs through about 3 p.m. Spectators are welcome.

Head of Lanier

From Oct. 15-16, the Head of Lanier rowing event, formerly the Head of the Hooch, takes place at the Lake Lanier Olympic Center.

"They usually row 1,000 or 2,000-meters, but this one is about 2´ miles, which constitutes a head race," Hagler said.

"Also, in Olympic-style racing, you have nine lanes, but in head racing, they just kind of go head-to-head. They'll start them 2´ miles up lake, depending on the lake level. They start them every three to five minutes and they just go 2´ miles to the finish line."

Hagler said the two-day event typically brings about 4,000 people to the Hall County venue.

"It's immensely popular," she said. "It's a huge boost to the local economy."

The event was started in Roswell as the Head of the Hooch. It was moved to Gainesville in the late 1990s.

Divisions competing will include Junior, High School, Collegiate, Open, Masters and Elite. Cost to participate is $75 for eight-person teams, $50 for quads, $30 for doubles, and $20 for singles.

Hagler said spectators should strongly consider one or more of the fall events for a nice weekend on Lake Lanier, even if it's your first time.

"I think it's a good opportunity to learn about this Olympic legacy," Hagler said . "I really, truly think it could be as big as the Masters golf tournament in 10-15 years. If hitting a golf ball around in the grass is interesting to watch, to see the athletes in the boats on Lake Lanier is just spectacular. We've got some great local talent and to showcase all of that is just phenomenal."

For more information, contact John Ferriss of the Lanier Rowing Club at (770)287-0077; or Hagler at (770) 287-7888.