I've wanted to make it out to Denver's Dragon Boat Festival ever since I heard about it a few years ago, and when I finally made it I was not disappointed. The brochure said, "More than just a race: Your Weekend Passport to Asia and the Pacific", and that's truly the way it felt.

The Dragon Boat Festival is held at Sloan's Lake, at Sheridan Blvd and W. 17th Ave. It was about a 10 minute drive from my home in Arvada. This year, it was July 25 and 26, and the focus was on Hawaii's 50th anniversary of becoming our 50th state.

We got there in time for the opening ceremony - a parade of all the teams, led by a 75-foot dragon. Just beautiful! The parade was followed by the traditional Buddhist blessing and eye-dotting ceremony.

Watching the races was fun, and the lake was gorgeous. The boats looked fierce and colorful as they cut their way through the smooth water, encouraged by the steady beat of the drums.

And there was soooo much good food. It was hard to choose!

Even the marketplace was fun and interesting, offering items you don't find at most festivals. My daughter and I each purchased a beautiful paper umbrella to shield ourselves from the intense Colorado summer sun.

But with all that, the Performing Arts Stage was a favorite spot. There was traditional music and dance from Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, and New Zealand. For me, it's the music that really takes me to a different place!

There was 'Gateway to Asia', with demonstrations such as egg roll making, lei-making, dance, and a wedding ceremony.

And we can't leave the kids out, they enjoyed Dragonland with hands-on arts and crafts and face-painting.

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