85th Northwest Water Carnival Underway in Detroit Lakes

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – The Northwest Water Carnival in Detroit Lakes returns after its pandemic cancellation in 2020.

The Water Carnival, one of the longest running festivals in the state of Minnesota was forced to cancel the event for only the 2nd time in its almost 90 year history in 2020, due the Coronavirus pandemic.

After a long wait, organizers are excited to bring back the 10-day event that features more than 60 water related events and activities for all ages.

This year’s Admirals of the Water Carnival are Annette Korth and Mandie Tretbar, the first year in the carnival’s history that two women will hold the position. Tretbar says the event is a lot of work, “this is the 85th year and its just gotten bigger and better and its gone from a couple of days to now usually 10. Its great fun, but it’s a lot of work.”

The Detroit Lakes Jaycees, an all-volunteer civic organization host the Water Carnival each year which is supported by the Lakes Area business community.

A full list of Water Carnival events can be seen at https://www.dljaycees.com/water-carnival-3