Groover Labs To Sponsor Dragon Derby

We are excited to share that Groover Labs is a sponsor for the Fourth Annual Dragon Derby on Saturday, September 2, from 7-9 p.m., in the Lazy River at the Richard A. DeVore South YMCA Water Park in Wichita, Kansas.

What is the Dragon Derby?

The Dragon Derby is a fundraising event styled after the Duck Derby, a race format where rubber ducks are placed in a stream of water or river to be carried by the current. The first duck to cross the finish line wins. The Dragon Derby replaces rubber ducks with 3D-printed dragons. This year, more than 3,000 dragons will be entered into the race, and participants can sponsor up to 30 dragons. Sponsorship prices are listed below.

All proceeds will go to support the Dragon Master Initiative, a cancer research charity.

How will Groover Labs Participate?

Groover Labs will 3D print 15 paintable, large-format dragon entries. They will be available for purchase by corporate sponsors, who will organize teams of employees to decorate them.

The corporate-sponsored dragons will then compete in a separate heat, and the first-place winner will receive a traveling trophy, naming rights to next year’s Dragon Derby, and a 30-second TV commercial featuring the winning entry.

Sponsoring organizations reserve the right to purchase their customized dragons after the race as an additional donation. If they choose not to, the Dragon Master Initiative will auction them off.

What Happens on Race Day?

On race day, the dragons will be released in the Lazy River at 8 p.m. Winners will be announced at 8:30 p.m., or after the final dragon crosses the finish line. Those interested in attending the derby must buy a ticket for $15. Doors open at 7 p.m.

The first dragon to cross the finish line will win $1,000 in cash, and the last-place finisher will win $150. Those who are interested can watch the race for free here.

Entry prices:

  • $10 for one dragon

  • $25 for three dragons

  • $40 for five dragons

  • $75 for 10 dragons

  • $125 for 20 dragons

  • $150 for 30 dragons

Other sponsoring organizations are the Law Offices of Slape and Howard and Cimerix.

More details, including terms and conditions, are available here.