THERE is still time for teams to take the boat by the horns and enter this year’s Swindon Dragon Boat Race.

The annual event, now in its third year, will take place at Coate Water Country Park, on Sunday, June 28.

So far, nine teams have registered to take to the waters and compete in the charity event, with organisers keen to welcome more competitors.

The race is being put together by the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix which, during its short history, has raised thousands of pounds for a multitude of good causes through activities such as the dragon boat racing.

This year, entrants to the Swindon Dragon Boat Race can choose which charity they want to support, and fundraise for them as they train to take part.

John Fisher, from the rotary group’s press liaison team, said: “The preparations have been going really well.

“We will set up a JustGiving page for everyone who enters and then they can fundraise for their charities of choice.

“We don’t have a target for how much money we aim to raise, but the more teams we have, the more that will be raised.

“Every year we have done well and I’m sure we’ll do so again.”

There will also be 25 stalls at the event selling everything from jewellery and crafts to food and sweets.

To make it even more of a fairground atmosphere, there will be tombola and children’s rides providing entertainment throughout the day.

There will also be a dog show with a fun dog talent contest.

John said: “If all goes according to plan, it will be an absolutely fantastic family day out.

“We’ve got a lot of stalls already and we’ve also got our dog show, which should be a lot of fun for all concerned.”

The dog talent contest will run alongside the boat race with categories being of the novelty nature. Those with four-legged loved ones are being asked to bring their pooches along and compete in the fun competition.

Every hour, during the dragon boat race, there will be a Champagne draw with bottles of bubbly being given away to the lucky winners.

For more information about the Swindon Dragon Boat Race event, log on to the official website at swindondragonboat.org.uk/contacts.

To find out more about running your own stall at the event, send an email to stalls@swindondragonboat.org.uk