The Paducah Dragon Boat Festival and the River’s Edge International Film Festival have been recognized as two of Kentucky Travel Industry Association’s 2014 Fall Top Festivals & Events.


Both festivals centered around Paducah’s historic Downtown and riverfront promote the arts and authentic culture of the City, recently named the world’s 7th City of Crafts & Folk Art in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

In its third year, the Paducah Dragon Boat Festival, September 20, 2014, is a one-day event at Paducah’s Riverfront. Dragon boat racing is an ancient Chinese sport and is now the fastest growing international team water sport in North America. Dragon boats measure 41 feet, carry up to 20 paddlers, one drummer on the front and a professional steersman guiding the boat. More than 30 teams participate in the races in heats of three boats, each with a final third heat including the 15 fastest times of the day. A fundraising event for River Discovery Center, more information can be found about the Paducah Dragon Boat Races at riverdiscoverycenter.org

Celebrating its 10th anniversary November 6-9, 2014, the River’s Edge International Film Festival is a four-day event built around the showing of quality, independent films from around the world. It is dedicated to the serious filmmaker, the serious film lover and the art of the cinema. Screenings are featured in three venues: Maiden Alley Cinema, the Market House Theatre Black Box and the National Quilt Museum. This year’s juror panel consists of Neal Block of Magnolia Pictures, Time League, founder and CEO of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Martha Stephens, 2010 River’s Edge Film Festival Winner and co-director of LAND-HO!, which recently sold at the Sundance Film Festival. More information at riversedgefilmfestival.com

A panel of impartial judges selects the Kentucky Travel Industry Association Top Festivals & Events for each season. Criteria for selection include popularity of the event, its impact on the local tourism economy as well as cultural and historical significance.

Other winning festivals from across the state for Fall 2014 are Williamsburg Old Fashioned Days, MainStrasse Village Oktoberfest, Roots & Heritage Festival, Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Mountain Heritage Festival and October Court Days.

 

Media Contact:

Laura Schaumburg, Marketing Director

Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau

Office: 270.443.8783 • Cell: 270.519.9019­

E-mail: laura@paducah.travel