Minneapolis Aquatennial Festival

Minneapolis Aquatennial Festival

Ten days, including the third full week in July

The Aquatennial Festival takes place in Minneapolis, one of America's coldest cities, during the one time of the year it's most likely to be warm and rain-free, according to meteorologists. It is not only a celebration of summer but of the region's many rivers and lakes. Of the nearly 50 events in the festival, one of the most popular is the Milk Carton Boat Race, a competition for vessels made entirely from milk cartons. In 1993, the largest-ever boat was entered—a 100-foot, 25,000-milk carton vessel resembling an aircraft carrier with a "cargo" of nearly 150 people, honoring veterans of Operation Desert Storm.
First held in 1940, the Aquatennial Festival also features such events as the evening Torchlight Parade and the Grande Day Parade, a sand castle competition, a sailing regatta, a triathlon, and a fireworks display. More than 800,000 people attend the 10-day annual festival.

CONTACTS:
Minneapolis Downtown Council
81 S. 9th St., Ste. 260
Minneapolis, MN 55402
612-338-3807; fax: 612-338-0634
www.aquatennial.org
www.downtownmpls.com

SOURCES:
FunAlsoRises-1998, p. 159