Celebrating champions on the water and champions for the cause
Every April, something wild, splashy, and totally Myrtle Beach takes over Grand Park at The Market Common—and the 17th Annual Ground Zero Dragon Boat Festival was no exception. On Saturday, April 26, hundreds of paddlers, drummers, and spirited fans packed the park to cheer, race, and rally. But this festival isn’t just about flexing your paddle power—it’s Ground Zero’s biggest fundraiser of the year, supporting programs that help local teens build leadership skills, faith, and community. From the first early-morning stretches to the final, sweaty sprints, this year’s festival was a full-on celebration of heart and hustle.
Whether you’re racing, cheering, or just there for the food trucks, here’s why this Myrtle Beach event deserves a spot on your spring calendar.
Winning Times and Record-Setting Moments
The competition brought serious speed to the water. Lee Disposal Thunder Rockets stole the show, taking home the top title in Flight A with a blazing time of 56.86 seconds. They were the only team to dip under the 57-second mark during the final races, setting the bar sky-high for next year’s competitors. Their win was a true testament to what precision teamwork (and maybe a little muscle) can accomplish. It was a championship-worthy moment that had the shoreline roaring with excitement.
Our Berkshire Hathaway Team Showed Up Big
Representing with plenty of pride (and a ton of team spirit), Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Coastal Real Estate made some serious waves of our own. Our team clocked times of 1:07.35 in Race 1 and 1:06.96 in Race 2—putting us right in the thick of the action and proving once again that we bring the same grit and determination to the water that we bring to everything we do. Win or lose, we paddled hard, laughed harder, and showed why being part of the Myrtle Beach community means giving it your all.
More Than a Race: Heartfelt Tributes and Festival Fun
Beyond the races, the festival grounds were bursting with energy and emotion. A touching tribute came from Mica’s Waymakers, racing in memory of Mica Miller—a beautiful reminder that this event is about more than just winning; it’s about connection and community. Kids ran wild in the Family Fun Zone, food trucks kept everyone fueled with sweet and savory treats, and a live DJ kept the party alive between races. The weather couldn’t have been better, and the spirit of Myrtle Beach was out in full, joyful force.
Why You’ll Want In Next Year
At the Ground Zero Dragon Boat Festival, every splash, every cheer, and every race counts toward something bigger—supporting the next generation right here in our backyard. Whether you’re jumping into a boat, grabbing a funnel cake, or just soaking up the sunshine, showing up means making a difference. So go ahead—mark your calendar for next spring. We’ll be back on the water, and trust us, you’ll want a paddle (or at least a pom-pom) ready.
