The Chinese dragon boat race has over 2,000 years of history in China and is a popular sport amongst Chinese and Asian communities all over the world. Thirty-two dragon boat race teams will compete on the south branch of the Chicago River in beautifully decorated dragon boats, each consisting of up to 20 members: 18 paddlers, 1 drummer and 1 flag catcher. The 18 paddlers row to the beat of the drummer, while the flag catcher of each team pulls a flag positioned in the water at the finish line.