Be the One Walk

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Sunday, September 20, 2026

This morning, members of the Flying Ears participated in the Be the One Walk, sponsored by Dekalb American Legion Post 66. This is an annual event bringing awareness to the fact that an estimated TWENTY-TWO veterans or service members take their lives each day. The walk is 2.2 miles and 22 stones are carried during the walk, both signifying the 22 lives lost each day. It was a rainy day and a somber event, but it is important to destigmatize mental health support and introduce the different resources available to those who may be struggling.

Mississippi Valley Dragon Boat Festival

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Saturday, September 19, 2026

Held at West Lake Park in Davenport, IA, the Mississippi Valley Dragonboat Festival took place today. This event benefits the Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club and they do an amazing job getting the community involved. There was a two hour weather delay this year, which resulted into an impromptu team breakfast at the Machine Shed, but everyone stayed in good spirits and made the best of it. Dragon boating is a water sport after all. Sadly, this was the last race of the season for us and in just a few short weeks we will be pulling the boats out of the water at Lake Shabbona.

Peoria Dragon Boat Race

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Sunday, September 13, 2026

The Peoria Chinese Association hosted their 2nd annual Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday, September 13th at the Peoria Riverfront. This was a very different race for the Flying Ears, because it was using small boats - which only hold TEN paddlers (vs the normal 20). There was definitely a bit of a learning curve, but we all thought it was a great experience. Plus, the entire feel of the event was just so much fun - lots of family activities, a really cool military helicopter, dancing, and just non-stop positive energy!

Due to adding the race to our schedule last minute, our coach jumped in as a paddler and Shane was our steer. We are all familiar with Shane as our steer, he often joins us on the water at Lake Shabbona for practice when we use two boats (and he fills in when Craig is unable to make it), but this was his first time steering at a race. He did an amazing job and the Flying Ears took home silver!

We sincerely hope we can make it out to the event again in 2027! You can see some great shots of the event on the Peoria Chinese Association's Facebook page! Plus, there is a great video of one of our races, too. https://www.facebook.com/reel/959878283842302