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This
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A
bigger – and noisier -- crowd than many remembered turned
out Wednesday night for the Running of the Dragon in Oriental.
An estimated 500 people pressed in on the dragon as it made
its way along Hodges Street during the 8pm running. Another
200 were on hand for the later running at 11pm.
The head of the dragon was a good 8 or 9 feet off the ground,
thanks to Tim Rogers’ repeat performance of leading it
down Hodges from South Water Street to South Avenue and back.
Tim was backed up by a few dozen people who supported the body
of the dragon from below. Together they made the dragon swerve
through the crowd, spewing smoke (thanks to Steve Wright’s
(in the number 2 position) handiwork with a fire extinguisher.)
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Dragon
Master Tim Rogers is assisted by Jason Boudreault and
Steve Wright
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The crowd’s job was to make noise. And they did. For those
who’ve only seen pictures of the dragon run, nothing quite
prepares you for the noise. Pots and pans were the din-makers
of choice and children who turned out in numbers for the 8pm
run, were especially effective at the task.
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Fire
breathing apparatus in place
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According
to town historian Grace Evans, this was the 42nd running of
the dragon. The idea was sparked in the early 60’s and
brought to life by Joe Cox, an NCSU design professor and his
wife Betsy who owned the property at the corner of South Water
and Hodges. There have been several dragons in the intervening
years. The dragon that ran left and right down Hodges Street
this year was built about three years ago by Bonnie and Charles
Bird.
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The
Running Of The Dragon begins....
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Many
legs support the Dragon's body...
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