IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION recognizing the 2023 Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival to be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Brush Creek on the Country Club Plaza.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21298, June 5, 2023
INTRODUCED BY DaRon McGee, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer, and Sean E. Smith, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, the Dragon Boat or Duanwu Festival, holds historical and cultural significance, originating in China more than 2,000 years ago to honor the memory of Qu Yuan, a revered poet, statesman, diplomat, and reformer; and,
WHEREAS, the Dragon Boat Festival has evolved into one of the prominent celebrations observed not only in China but also in various Asian countries; and,
WHEREAS, dragon boat races have become popular worldwide, including in the United States, where Kansas City holds the distinction of being the sole city hosting a dragon boat race on a creek; and,
WHEREAS, the annual Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival has grown into a significant community event since its inception in 2005, serving as a platform to showcase and celebrate Chinese and Asian culture, foster people-to-people friendship, and promote community diversity and inclusiveness; and,
WHEREAS, the festival, held annually on the second Saturday of June on Brush Creek at the Country Club Plaza, brings attention to Kansas City and its emerging status as an international city; and,
WHEREAS, the festival encompasses three integral components: exhilarating dragon boat races featuring teams from local colleges, community organizations, and businesses vying for top honors, a cultural showcase highlighting the rich traditions and heritage of China and Asia, and engaging entertainment offerings to captivate and delight attendees; and,
WHEREAS, the festival has demonstrated its commitment to education by raising funds for scholarships benefiting students in Kansas City and supporting elementary and college students in China; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, the Legislature hereby recognizes and commends the efforts of The Society for Friendship with China, in collaboration with sponsors Kansas City Parks and Recreation, the Sister City Association of Kansas City, Bo Lings Fine Chinese Cuisine, the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, Rotary Club of Kansas City, and other invaluable community partners for their dedication and tireless work in fostering cultural diversity, inclusiveness, and people-to-people friendship within Jackson County, Missouri; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Legislature declares June 10, 2023, as "Dragon Boat Festival Day" in Jackson County and encourages all residents to partake in the festivities, appreciate the cultural exchange, and embrace the spirit of unity, friendship, and harmony exemplified by this remarkable event.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________ ______________________________
Chief Deputy County Counselor County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 21298 of June 5, 2023, was duly passed on June 5, 2023 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas ______9_________ Nays ______0________
Abstaining ___0______ Absent _____0_______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature