CONSTANCE BAY – The big boats will be back in the Bay Sept. 7.

The fifth annual Constance Bay Dragon Boat Festival is returning to Constance Bay.

“Come out for a day at the beach and experience the fun of recreational Dragon Boat Racing,” Ottawa River Canoe Club (ORRC) organizers released in a statement. “The festival is presented by the Ottawa River Canoe Club in partnership with the CBBCA.”

Each team consists of one steersperson, provided by the ORCC, 20 paddlers, and one drummer.

“If your team is short it isn’t a problem, just let us know how many spots you need to fill,” the ORRC said. “During this just for fun event each of our teams will receive a training session, participate in two qualifying heats, with the fastest teams competing in the A, B, and C  finals to win our Women’s Cup, Community Cup, and Overall championship.”

If you aren’t on a team you can still register however getting a spot is not guaranteed.

“We usually place about 25 singles based on registration date, so please register early,” organizers said.

You can register your team of 21 or register individually. The practice schedule runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon and the event ends at about 5 p.m. Races begin at 12:30 p.m.

Click either Individual Registration: $20 or Team Registration: $300 to register.

Parking is at the NorthWind Wireless Fibre Centre ( 262 Len Purcell Dr.). Registration opens at the Centre at 8:45 a.m.

“We’ll be running the short 1.5 km shuttle to the beach all day and we have plenty of room for tents, coolers, and other gear,” organizers said. “Food and beverage services are available at the beach where you can enjoy the barbecue and  a selection of beer, coolers, and non-alcoholic beverages.”

Parking near the beach is very limited and violators will be ticketed. No glass, barbecues, or dogs are permitted on the beach.