The Carnation Ceremony serves as a constant reminder of the ravages of cancer, and provides cancer survivors with an opportunity to remember lost friends. This ceremony is always a high point during the Nanaimo (SaveOn) Dragon Boat Festival.

Thousands of participants and spectators throw carnations into Swy-a-Lana Lagoon to remember those we have lost.

Following the ceremony, cancer survivors celebrate life with a triumphant walk through the paddle arch.

For information about the Nanaimo (SaveOn) Dragon Boat Festival, visit http://www.nanaimodragonboat.com/

Photos taken using a Canon 300D SLR and a Canon 75-300mm zoom lens.
See http://IslandRoameer.com for the full 2009 SaveOn Festival set.