The Greater Moncton Dragon Boat Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, marking two decades of fundraising, racing, and community engagement.

The festival has grown to new heights, with a record-breaking 44 high school teams competing alongside 26 community and corporate teams at Jones Lake on May 30-31.

The event has raised more than $2.3 million, supporting the Lions Sick Children’s Fund and over 65 charities across New Brunswick.

One of the most emotional moments of the festival is the Carnation Ceremony, where breast cancer survivors gather on the lake to honour their journey and remember those lost.

Co-chair Carole Murphy of the Greater Moncton Dragon Boat Festival says it is both a moment of reflection and hope, making it one of the most powerful traditions of the festival.