NORTHWEST WATER CARNIVAL

Detroit Lakes' 88th Northwest Water Carnival will pack over 70 different events into its 10-day run

Vicki Gerdes — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 17:57:52 GMT

The co-admirals of Detroit Lakes' 88th Northwest Water Carnival, Rachel Kohler and Jack LaBarre, are excited to see its 10-day run get underway on Friday, July 12.

But as Kohler pointed out, the first official event on the NWC calendar is actually scheduled for Saturday, July 6 — and it's one that will be making its return after an extended absence.

"We're bringing back the Miss Northwest Pageant," she said, "and we're also combining it with the Junior Pageant this year."

Four new crown-and-sash sets will be awarded on July 6th, for Miss Northwest, Miss Northwest Outstanding Teen, Water Carnival Junior Prince and Water Carnival Junior Princess.

The pageant will take place at the Holiday Inn Ballroom in Detroit Lakes, starting at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, with the proceeds going toward future educational scholarships to be awarded through the program.

The deadline for entry into the Miss Northwest/Outstanding Teen competition was scheduled for June 24 — after this publication went to press — so a complete list of contestants was unavailable. Check out the Detroit Lakes Tribune's website, dl-online.com, and the Miss Northwest Pageant Facebook page, facebook.com/missnorthwestpageant, for further details as the event draws closer.

For the Junior Pageant, pre-registration is not required, but the parents of boys and girls between the ages of 4-12 are invited to submit their applications online by downloading the form at the Detroit Lakes Jaycees website, www.dljaycees.com/northwest-water-carnival-pageant, and emailing it to missnorthwestpageant@gmail.com when completed (please put Junior Pageant Entry Form in the subject line).

The pageant is the only outlier on the schedule this year, however: The remaining 70-plus events will take place between July 13-21, from the "Kegs and Eggs Breakfast" with the KFAN Power Trip Morning Show crew at 5 a.m. on Friday, July 12 in the Pavilion, to the Bald Eagle Water Ski Show on the Detroit Lakes City Beach, immediately following the Parade of the Northwest on Sunday afternoon, July 21 (the show usually starts somewhere between 3-3:30 p.m.).

In between there will be a mixture of popular favorites from the past, and some new events that will hopefully become favorites as well.

The first new event on the schedule is an open pole vaulting competition on the Detroit Lakes City Beach, hosted by the SOAR Athletic Club at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 13. (More information about that event can be found inside this publication).

"It's open to anyone who wants to try pole vaulting," Kohler said.

Also new to the water carnival this year is a yard game-style competition known as the "Beersbee Bottle Strike," set for Tuesday, July 16, at the Detroit Lakes City Beach.

As LaBarre explained it, the competition involves setting up beer bottles on poles, with competitors aiming to knock the bottles off their perch using only a Frisbee. Registration starts at 6 p.m., with the competition to get underway at 7 p.m.

Another new event is one that has a slightly more serious focus: The Jaycees are hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross at Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes on Thursday, July 19 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Then on Friday and Saturday, July 19-20, the "Battle By the Beach" makes its Northwest Water Carnival debut. It's a two-day, 3v3 basketball tournament

Skydive Fargo will once again be bringing its popular tandem skydives to the Detroit Lakes Airport during this year's water carnival. Participants will be able to register for a slot anytime between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on three separate days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 19-21.

Also that weekend, the Mount Tabor Masonic Lodge will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in Detroit Lakes, and the public will be able to participate in two of the Masons' planned events on Saturday, July 21: A pancake feed from 8-11 a.m., and a pulled pork feed from 12-4 p.m. Both of those events will take place in the back parking lot between the Masonic Lodge on Washington Avenue and NAPA Auto Parts on Main Street. Food will continue to be served until it's gone for both of those events.

A couple of new, family-oriented events will be taking place at the City Park that Saturday as well: A visit from the Trowbridge Petting Zoo at 10:30 a.m., and a kids' pedal tractor pull with Olson's Pedal Pull at 11 a.m.( registration starts at 10:30 a.m.).

As is always the case with the Water Carnival, there will be plenty of live music as well, LaBarre said, starting with not just one, but two bands for opening night on Friday, July 12. North Dakota native Kat Perkins, who was a finalist on season 6 of the televised music competition, "The Voice," will be playing at the City Park Bandshell for Project 412's "Trucks and Tunes" concert series, from 5-8 p.m., while Lakeside Tavern will be hosting the Water Carnival Kickoff Party with the band Unleashed!

"They're (Unleashed) a band that has opened for Hairball, so they've got to be good, right?" LaBarre said, referring to the rock tribute band that sold out the Bash on the Beach a couple of years ago.

"They will be playing on the street in front of Lakeside Tavern starting at 8:30 p.m.," said Kohler — which makes it super-convenient for Trucks and Tunes attendees to just walk over from the park for more live music.

"One man band" Tony Oberto will be playing at the City Park Bandshell on Tuesday, July 16 at 7 p.m., as part of the Tuesdays in the Park concert series, which coincides with the Beersbee Bottle Strike event on the City Beach. Those who want a little supper should come early, as the Fuller Center for Housing will be serving up its Picnic in the Park fundraiser, grilling brats and burgers in the City Park from 5:30-7 p.m. as a fundraiser for their affordable housing projects in the community.

And then, of course, there's the biggest outdoor concert of the Northwest Water Carnival, the two-night extravaganza known as Bash on the Beach.

The opening night on Friday, July 19, will feature Radio XX, a Las Vegas-based rock band that features musicians from other prominent bands like Lifehouse, Savage Garden and Rockstar Supernova, as well as others who have performed with major country performers like Brett Young and Joe Nichols.

"I think they're going to be really good," said LaBarre, adding, "Their music brings me back to like my high school days, like late '90s."

According to the band's description, Radio XX was formed in 2021, and while the individual musicians' resumes "are insanely impressive, it's the musicianship, chemistry on stage and perfectly crafted playlist that sets this band apart from anything else out there performing today."

The opening act for Friday night's Bash on the Beach concert is Uncle Chunk, "a high energy, Twin Cities-based band that gained recognition by covering some of the best 90's music on the charts," before expanding to other genres.

Saturday night's Bash on the Beach, meanwhile, will feature country star Easton Corbin, with special guest Ben Haggard (son of country icon Merle Haggard). Tickets for the two Bash on the Beach concerts can be purchased separately, or as a package, for a slightly discounted rate. Physical tickets may be purchased at the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce and Central Market in Detroit Lakes, while e-tickets are available at the Detroit Lakes Jaycees website at dljaycees.com/bash-on-the-beach.

Last but not least, the Parade of the Northwest on Sunday, July 21 will have a slightly different look this year as well: Kohler and LaBarre have decided to set up a "no water zone" where people who do not want to be sprayed by water guns can sit and enjoy the parade while staying dry.

"There are some families with newborn babies, kids that have sensory issues — water can be a trigger for that — and other people who just don't want to get wet," Kohler said. "We're going to try to set up at least a block for that."

A full, updated schedule for the Northwest Water Carnival, including downloadable forms for event registration, contact information for the individual events, etc., can be found online at dljaycees.com/water-carnival.

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Country music stars Easton Corbin and Ben Haggard signed for Bash on the Beach in Detroit Lakes

Barbie Porter — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:09:21 GMT

DETROIT LAKES — The ice may still be on Detroit Lake, but the recent concert announcement that Easton Corbin and Ben Haggard will perform at the Bash on the Beach on Saturday, July 20, may have some people dreaming of summer.

The concert is part of the Northwest Water Carnival in Detroit Lakes, which is hosted by the Detroit Lakes Jaycees.

“While Haggard is opening for Corbin, I feel like we are bringing in two big names for one night of music,” said the 88th Northwest Water Carnival Admiral Rachel Kohler.

The Bash on the Beach is traditionally two nights of big-name artists. Kohler said this year is no different.

“We are still finalizing the Friday night show,” the Cormorant resident said. “When we have Friday finalized we will start selling tickets. Until then, we’re being hush-hush about the Friday night act.”

The 2002 Detroit Lakes High �� graduate explained those who purchase tickets for both shows get a discount, and that is often the most popular option. However, when tickets go on sale there will be the option of attending just one show as well.

Bringing in big names takes a lot of time and organization, as tour schedules have to line up with the event date, and the contract price has to be in the range of those hiring the artist.

“We started working on this year’s show within a few weeks after our last year’s Northwest Water Carnival ended,” Kohler said.

Corbin was a top pick of past Water Carnival admirals, and Kohler was excited to see his name on the shortlist, too.

“I knew he was our guy,” she said. “He hasn’t been in the area for some time and we thought it would be great to bring in a fresh new face with really good country songs.”

Corbin hit the country music scene in 2009 with his chart-topping “A Little More Country Than That.” Since, he has become an established artist offering a baritone swoon that dances with a mix of traditional and modern country sounds.

Kohler said her sister had the pleasure of seeing Corbin in concert and offered a rave review that applauded Corbin’s stage presence and music.

“We were raised with our father playing drums for bands, and grew up with country music, so if my sister says he was great — I will take her at her word,” Kohler said.

The nonprofit group full of good Samaritans was also pleased to find Haggard was available for the opener slot on Saturday, July 20.

When Kohler learned Haggard is the son of country legend Merle Haggard, she tuned in to his music online and discovered an up-and-coming talent with a country vibe that fit with the main act.

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Northwest Water Carnival's 10-day run on July 14-23 to be jam-packed with summer fun

Vicki Gerdes — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 13:00:00 GMT

DETROIT LAKES — The 87th Northwest Water Carnival will be jam-packed with summer fun during its 10-day run on July 14-23 in Detroit Lakes.

More than 65 events are on the schedule, including a mixture of new and old — as well as a few events that are returning from hiatus.

"Gretchen Hunter at Hub 41 said they haven't done Breakfast Off the Beach in four years," said Garrett Malstrom, the water carnival's co-admiral for 2023 (along with Kyle Pereira). "That event — which is July 15 from 8 to 11 a.m. — will be a fun one to bring back."

The Sailboat Regatta, which was a new event last year, will be returning on Saturday, July 15 as well, with Malstrom and Charlie "Skip" Honke at the helm. Though Honke is "super-pumped" to be bringing the event back for a second go-round, there is a bittersweet aspect to its planning, Malstrom noted.

Sadly, the organizer of the inaugural Sailboat Regatta will not be returning, as Water Carnival stalwart Kate Spaeth died unexpectedly in January, at age 39. Spaeth's favorite event, the Pup Plunge, has been renamed in her honor, Malstrom added. The Kate Spaeth Memorial Pup Plunge is set to take place as part of the Family Day lineup of activities at the City Park and City Beach on Sunday, July 16. It will get underway at 2 p.m.

There are a couple of new Family Day events planned as well, Malstrom said, including a LEGO Building Competition at 11 a.m. and a Kids Tell Dad Jokes event (which is just what it sounds like) at 1 p.m.

But there are plenty of returning Family Day events on the schedule as well, from the trolley rides and family picnic to the sand castle contest and turtle/frog races. And that's not all that will be returning.

"We're also bringing the Chili Cook-Off back, and pairing it with the Home Brew Beer Tasting," Malstrom said. "Both events will be hosted by Bucks Mill Brewing on Saturday, July 22 (from 12-3 p.m.)."

The popular helicopter rides are also returning to the schedule this year (after a one-year absence), with Water Carnival attendees having an opportunity to take to the skies above Detroit Lakes throughout the festival's final weekend, July 21-23.

And that's not all that's on the schedule for the final weekend: The extremely popular "Kegs and Eggs with K-FAN" will be back on Friday, July 21, which is also the beginning of the two-day Bash on the Beach. The concert lineup for this year's Bash will feature 90s alt-rock icons Everclear as headliners on Friday, July 21, with opener Born Too Late, and country favorite Craig Morgan as headliner on Saturday, July 22, with Nashville singer-songwriter Antonio Moraes as his opening act.

Here's a little sneak peek at the full 10-day schedule:

Thursday, July 13: American Legion Water Carnival Baseball Tournament gets underway at Washington Ball Park at 7:30 p.m., continuing through Sunday, July 15. Friday, July 14: City-wide Garage Sales (continues through Saturday): Trucks & Tunes featuring Church of Cash at the City Park Bandshell; Kick-off Party featuring live music by Kissing Company at Lakeside Tavern (outside); Night Frisbee Golf at the City Park. Saturday, July 15: Tour de Lakes bike ride; Sailboat Regatta on Detroit Lake; Dangerzone Crazies Crash Course at the City Beach; Fly-In and Drive-In Breakfast at the Airport; Breakfast Off the Beach at Hub 41; Stomp That Stigma Remembrance Walk; Lakes Area Farmers Market; Demolition Derby and Barrel Race at the Becker County Fairgrounds. Sunday, July 15: FAMILY DAY, with LEGO Building, Ship Building and Sidewalk Chalk Art contests; Face Painting; Inner Tube Races; Frot and Trutle Races; Kids Tell Dad Jokes; Kate Spaeth Memorial Pup Plunge; Toddler Trot; Family Picnic; Watermelon Feed; Water Balloon and Egg Toss; and Jaycees Toonerville Trolley Rides. Monday, July 17: Xtreme Tippy Cup, Trivia Night and Beach Soccer. Tuesday, July 18: Lakes Area Farmers Market; Dance on Detroit/Tuesdays in the Park live music with Blu Kanu at the City Park Bandshell; junior and adult Tug-O-War/Strength Competitions on the City Beach; and the Junior Water Carnival Pageant at the Pavilion. Wednesday, July 19: Great Admiral's Hat Hunt; junior and adult Water Fights at the City Park, with an Ice Cream Social in between. Thursday, July 20: American Red Cross Blood Drive at Grace Lutheran Church and Bingo at the Pavilion. Friday, July 21: Kegs and Eggs with K-FAN at the Pavilion; Inflatable Games to Go (continues Saturday) at the City Park; Airboat Rides at the City Beach (continues Saturday); Helicopter Rides (continues through Sunday) at the Becker County Fairgrounds; and Bash on the Beach Night 1 with Everclear/Born Too Late on the City Beach in front of the Pavilion. Saturday, July 22: NWC Softball Tournament (continues through Sunday) at Snappy Park; 5K Water Carnival Fun Run/Walk at the City Park; Pet and Doll Parade starting at the Holy Rosary parking lot; Pet Show at the City Park Bandshell; Classic Car Show at the City Park; Sand Volleyball Tournament at Peoples Park; junior and adult Bean Bag Tournaments at the City Park; Home Brew Beer Tasting and Chili Cook-Off at Bucks Mill Brewery; and Bash on the Beach Night 2 with Craig Morgan/Antonio Moraes. Sunday, July 23: Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast at the Pavilion; Parade of the Northwest on Washington Avenue and West Lake Drive; and Water Ski Show following the parade on the City Beach.

Additionally, the curfew in City Park will be extended to midnight on July 17 and 19, following the Xtreme Tippy Cup and Water Fight events, and the park will remain open until 1 a.m. on July 21 and 22, following both Bash on the Beach performances. For a full schedule, visit the Jaycees website, dljaycees.com/water-carnival, which also has tickets on sale for both Bash on the Beach concerts.

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Everclear to headline July 21 Bash on the Beach concert in Detroit Lakes

Vicki Gerdes — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 17:12:53 GMT

DETROIT LAKES — Everclear is coming to Detroit Lakes.

The DL Jaycees announced on Monday morning that the 90s alt-rock band would be headlining their Friday, July 21 Bash on the Beach concert.

https://www.facebook.com/DLJayceesNWC/videos/784108770018343/

Monday's reveal came about a month after Craig Morgan was announced as the headliner for the Saturday, July 22 concert, with Nashville singer-songwriter Antonio Moraes as his opening act.

Everclear, known for hits like "Santa Monica" and "Father of Mine," will take the stage on the Detroit Lakes City Beach at 7 p.m. on July 21. Born Too Late will open for the band, according to 2023 Water Carnival Co-Admiral Garrett Malstrom.

Since first breaking onto the alt-rock scene with their 1993 album, "World of Noise," Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career by any measure, releasing 11 albums — four of which have been certified as gold or platinum sellers — and achieving 12 hit singles on the Top 40 charts for Mainstream Rock, Alternative and Adult Top 40 radio. They celebrated their 30th anniversary with a 2022 tour of North America.

Tickets for both nights of Bash on the Beach 2023 are on sale now at the website, dljaycees.com/water-carnival. Tickets will also be made available for in-person purchase at the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce office within the next couple of weeks. Malstrom noted.

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