Sponsored By
An organization or individual has paid for the creation of this work but did not approve or review it.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Detroit Lakes brings the heat with this giant, 10-day summer festival

The story of the Northwest Water Carnival is part of Lakes Country Treasures, a series which takes readers down the back roads of Minnesota and to some of the unique must-see gems of lakes country.

Water fight clash.JPG
One of the Northwest Water Carnival's signature events, the Water Fights, will take place in the Detroit Lakes City Park on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Detroit Lakes Tribune file photo

Editor's Note: This article contains new and past reporting from Detroit Lakes Tribune staff.

DETROIT LAKES — This year marks the 89th annual Northwest Water Carnival in Detroit Lakes. Since its inception, the event has entertained Detroit Lakes residents and visitors alike with a whole host of activities and events. From its humbling beginnings, the Detroit Lakes Jaycees have shaped the event into the marquee summer attraction that it is.

ADVERTISEMENT

IMG_1476.JPG
Spectators of the Northwest Water Carnival Parade can always expect to get wet if they're standing along the stretch of the lake because those on parade floats are often armed with water.
Barbie Porter / Detroit Lakes Tribune

As has been tradition for the Water Carnival, this year's event is jam-packed with something for everyone, from pickleball tournaments to kids' activities to live music, and of course, the water fights, there's something for everyone over the event's 10-day run.

A little Northwest Water Carnival history

Beginning in 1935 under the admiral F.C. Schroder, the Northwest Water Carnival has grown over the years to become one of the largest celebrations in the state.

250618_DLNews_WaterCarnivalArticle_4F.jpg
Bagpipers from Winnipeg, Canada, march in the Parade of the Northwest on July 24, 1963.
Contributed / Becker County Museum

The Detroit Lakes Jaycees host the event every year, which includes a pageant, water fights, demolition derby, and, of course, the Parade of the Northwest, which has a new route this year.

Over the years, the event list has grown to include a sandcastle building, an ice cream social and a pup plunge, to name a few.

People line the streets to watch the 1967 Water Carnival water fights. This was the third year in a row that the firemen took first place. Retrieved form archived Tribune.
People line the streets to watch the 1967 Water Carnival water fights. This was the third year in a row that the firemen took first place. Retrieved form archived Tribune.

On July 4, 1935, the newspaper printed, “The throng of people that joined the city streets, filled all available parking spaces and lined the lakeshore for a mile or more last Sunday to witness the First Annual Northwest Water Carnival, assured a yearly repetition of the thrilling aquatic show.”

Early Northwest Water Carnival photo
A 1971 photo of water skiing during the Northwest Water Carnival.
Detroit Lakes Tribune file photo

The crowd at the first Water Carnival was estimated at 10,000-15,000 people, the largest celebration the city has entertained at one point. There were four officers on duty all afternoon and part of the evening, a big deal for those times. But there were no accidents or injuries that day either.

Three men run with the hose at the 1977 Water Carnival water fights. The three seem to be winning the match. Retrieved from Tribune archives.
Three men run with the hose at the 1977 Water Carnival water fights. The three seem to be winning the match. Retrieved from Tribune archives.

At the events, John Ahlf captured the mile marathon swim by covering course in 23 minutes. There were five entrants, and one dropped out before the contest was over. Miss Frances Wright of Fargo was crowned Miss Northwest during the Bathing Beauty Contest. There were 14 contestants in the first year.

ADVERTISEMENT

TurningBackJuly2021.jpg
Elks capture 1971 water fight honors: The Elks team, champions of the Northwest Water Carnival water fight, received the traveling trophy as the Northwest Resorters, runner-up team, observed the presentation ceremony. From left to right are: Elks team members Chuck Erickson, Collin Peterson, Vern Colzgrove, Waldo Johnson and Ed Savoie; Ken Fairbanks of the Resorters; Don Wallace, Jaycee chairman of the event; and Resorters Ron Paskey, Rick Savoy, John Holland and Duane Hilmer.
Detroit Lakes Tribune file photo

There have only been two years since its inception that the Northwest Water Carnival has not been held. In 1937, the Junior Chamber of Commerce (now the Jaycees) voted not to hold it because the Detroit Lakes City Council wouldn’t approve a Sunday dance at the Pavilion. In 2020, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

1940 Pet and Doll parade
An original water carnival event, the pet and doll parade drew brig crowds for the 1940 Water Carnival.
Photo courtesy of the Becker County Historical Society

As time has progressed and the event has grown, it has gone from a one-day event to five days, now to 10 days. In a 1985 newspaper article, the 10-day event was run on a $52,000 budget, had the help of more than 100 volunteers and crowds were estimated at 80,000, with 50,000 alone coming for the Sunday Parade of the Northwest.

The Northwest Water Carnival has continued to grow each year and is still filled with traditions mixed with new ideas each year.

And just who are the Jaycees?

The Detroit Commercial Club formed in March of 1906, with 68 businessmen as the first members. The club charged $10 admission, with annual dues of $12, payable at the rate of $1 a month. On Jan. 19, 1935, the name of the club was changed to the Civic and Chamber Association to better provide a full spectrum of those joining the club. No business connection was needed to join by that point. A full-time secretary was also employed at that time to care for tourist inquiries. In 1953, the name of the organization was changed once again, this time to the Detroit Lakes Chamber of Commerce.

admirals edited.jpg
89th Northwest Water Carnival Co-Admirals April Asleson and Tyler Tretbar.
Contributed photo

The Detroit Lakes Junior Chamber of Commerce — later called the Jaycees — was formed in 1935 by a group of men under the age of 35. By 1971, the membership had grown to 200 with an annual budget of $35,000. It was then the fourth-largest chapter in the state of Minnesota. The purpose was to train young businessmen and groom them for the Civic and Commerce Association. At the time, Detroit Lakes was one of the smallest cities in the United States to have a Jaycees club.

0593.JPG
The Detroit Lakes Jaycees' Toonerville Trolley sprays water at parade watchers on Washington Avenue during the Parade of the Northwest as part of the 85th Northwest Water Carnival in Detroit Lakes on July 18, 2021.
Detroit Lakes Tribune file photo

In 1959, the women’s unit of the chamber was formed, the Jaycettes, and was later reorganized in 1960 as the Detroit Lakes Mrs. Jaycees. The Jaycees and the Detroit Lakes Mrs. Jaycees have long since joined forces to form the Detroit Lakes Jaycees, inviting both genders into the club.

Here's what's happening at this year's Water Carnival

From a 5 a.m. "Keggs and Eggs" breakfast with the KFAN Power Trip morning radio show at the Pavilion on Friday, July 11, to the Bald Eagle Water Ski Show on the City Beach on Sunday, July 20, immediately following the Parade of the Northwest, the Detroit Lakes Jaycees have packed more than 60 events into the 10-day schedule of the 89th Northwest Water Carnival.

ADVERTISEMENT

"We've got a lot of new stuff happening," says April Asleson, who is co-admiral of this year's water carnival alongside Tyler Tretbar.

Of particular note amongst all that "new stuff" are a on Saturday, July 12, and on Sunday, July 20.

Water Carnival Parade.jpg
The Parade of the Northwest is the culminating event of the Northwest Water Carnival.
Detroit Lakes Tribune file photo

"We flipped the (parade) route this year," said Asleson, with marchers stepping off and floats launching from the Kent Freeman Arena parking lot at 1 p.m., proceeding south on a short stretch of Rossman Avenue, then turning east on West Lake Drive to the Pavilion, before heading north on Washington Avenue to Front Street, which is where it will end.

The revised route enables them to avoid navigation problems for large parade floats and vehicles on smaller side streets, and also the necessity of getting a permit from MnDOT to close the Highway 10 intersection for the parade, she added.

The Soo Pass concert, meanwhile, was something that organizers Mark Bjerke and Dave Suppa already had in the works before deciding to make it a water carnival event. All she had to do, Asleson said, was organize a Jaycees beer garden for the event, where people could make use of their "bottomless" water carnival mugs during the concert.

And speaking of the mugs, there will only be one option this year. They have eliminated the smaller, limited-use mugs and ordered 500 of the larger ones. Water carnival attendees can purchase the mugs, plus a water carnival admission button, for $65 each; the mugs can then be used to obtain unlimited drinks at all water carnival events where alcohol is sold by the Jaycees, throughout the 10-day festival.

Blue Oyster Cult.jpeg
The iconic rock band Blue Oyster Cult is headed to Detroit Lakes' Soo Pass Ranch this summer for a July 12, 2025 concert that will also feature Buckcherry, with local band Back for More as the opening act. The 'MAD Summer Party,' as it is being billed, will be part of the 2025 lineup for the Northwest Water Carnival, with organizers looking to make it into an annual event.
Contributed / Blue Oyster Cult

Mugs and buttons — $5 each without the mug — are already available at the Chamber of Commerce offices at 700 Summit Ave., and while they will be sold during water carnival events as well, that will only be while supplies last.

ADVERTISEMENT

"We only ordered 500 (mugs)," Asleson said. "When they're gone, they're gone."

Family Day on Sunday, July 13, will have a new sponsor this year: Laker Prep Preschool and Early Childhood Centers, a local nonprofit that operates three child care centers in the community. Mary and Eric Rotter, the owner/operators of Laker Prep, will not only be organizing all the Family Day events, but also serving as grand marshals for the parade.

IMG_8609.JPG
Northwest Water Carnival sand dig.
Barbie Porter / Detroit Lakes Tribune

This year’s Family Day starts out with an event that, while it isn’t new to water carnival attendees, is being held that Sunday for the first time: The Knights of Columbus Pancake Feed, taking place in the Pavilion from 8-11:30 a.m. The rest of the day’s schedule in the City Park will include familiar favorites such as the Toddler Trot and turtle/frog racing, as well as new ones like an all-day “Chalk the Walk” activity, “Shoe Kick” at 9:15 a.m., and the “All Ashore Rock-Skipping Contest,” which will start at 11 a.m. on the City Beach.

The last event on the schedule for that day is the Kate Spaeth Memorial Pup Plunge at 1 p.m., which means all of the official Family Day activities will be ending a bit earlier than in years past, Asleson noted. But for those looking to extend their day at the beach a little longer, nearby Hub 41 will be offering live music starting at 2 p.m.

IMG_8700.JPG
The Pup Plunge at J & K Marina in Detroit Lakes is one of the most popular Northwest Water Carnival events.
Detroit Lakes Tribune file photo

Monday, July 14, will feature “Pizza, Puzzles and Pints” at the Pavilion, starting at 7 p.m. This will be the first time that a jigsaw puzzle competition will be taking place at the Pavilion, Asleson said.

The Totland brothers, Brian and Lane, kicked up some mud in their battle to win the SUV/compact truck/mini-van division at Saturday night's Water Carnival Demolition Derby. Brian Totland ultimately walked away witih the first place trophy, while Lane Totland came in second. (Vicki Gerdes/Tribune)
The Totland brothers, Brian and Lane, kicked up some mud in their battle to win the SUV/compact truck/mini-van division one year at the Northwest Carnival Demolition Derby.
Vicki Gerdes/file photo

While Tuesdays in the Park is an ongoing summer concert series at the City Park Bandshell, the one scheduled to take place during the water carnival on July 15 will have a little twist: The Jaycees will have their beer garden open in the City Park from 5 p.m. until the concert ends.

“We figured that since we’d already be setting up the beer garden for the Water Fights on Wednesday, why not open it a day early?” Asleson said, noting that the event is being billed as “Tuesdays in the Park On Tap.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The Fuller Center for Housing will be serving up their picnic supper in the park at 5:30 p.m., and the music starts under the bandshell at 7 p.m., with Tim Eggebraaten as the featured performer. Attendees will need to bring their own chairs and/or blankets for the concert, as on-site seating at the bandshell is limited to a handful of benches in front of the stage.

colors water fights.JPG
A big crowd turns out for the Water Carnival Water Fights at City Park.
Nathan Bowe/Tribune

As for Water Fight Night in the City Park on Wednesday, July 16, the festivities will begin with Junior Water Wars at 5 p.m.

Asleson said this new event replaces the Junior Water Fights, with the young participants going at each other with squirt guns rather than garden hoses. This will be followed by an ice cream social at 5:30 p.m., and the water carnival’s signature event, the Water Fights, getting underway at 7 p.m.

DSC05516.JPG
A malfunction with the hoses during the Northwest Water Carnival junior water fights didn't stop the fun on July 17, 2024.
Detroit Lakes Tribune file photo

Though the Thursday, July 17 schedule won’t have any “firsts,” with sky diving (which continues through the weekend), a Vitalant blood drive, and bingo on tap, it will contain at least one “last.”

“This will be the last time for Bingo in the Pavilion as we know it,” Asleson said, noting that the historic structure is scheduled to be torn down this fall to make way for a brand-new Pavilion.

Water Carnival.jpg
The Junior Water Fights brings out a crowd of area kids every year as part of the Northwest Water Carnival.
Vicki Gerdes / Detroit Lakes Tribune

Another new event this year is the Teen Bash on the Beach set for Friday, July 18, which Asleson describes as "her baby."

Water fight whole team.JPG
A team holds its ground during the Northwest Water Carnival water fights on July 17, 2024.
Detroit Lakes Tribune file photo

This event will be open for young adults between ages 13-20, Asleson said, with DJ Love Jones spinning tunes, ax throwing with Woodsman Axe, ice cream and more, all from 5-9 p.m. on the City Beach.

ADVERTISEMENT

Water Fights.jpg
The Northwest Water Carnival Water Fights are one of the most popular events of the Northwest Water Carnival.
Vicki Gerdes/file photo

The Jaycees beer garden, which will, of course, not be available to the Teen Bash attendees, will open in the city park starting at 5 p.m., and then at 9:30 p.m., after the teen event ends, Troubadour will be performing live on the beach stage.

Another new event is a pickleball tournament taking place on both Friday and Saturday, July 19, at the Peoples Park pickleball courts. Games start at noon on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday.

1835289+7-5-wc-bed-races.jpg
The bed races are a unique part of the Northwest Water Carnival.
Brian Basham/file photo

Saturday, July 19 will be featuring a plethora of water carnival favorites, from the sand volleyball tournament at Peoples Park to the pet and doll parade, pet show at the City Park Bandshell inflatable games and face painting in the City Park, and the big event of the day, Bash on the Beach opening at 6 p.m.

IMG_0144.JPG
Several teams join in the Northwest Water Carnival’s Tug-O-War competition on the Detroit Lakes city beach.
Barbie Porter / Detroit Lakes Tribune

This year’s Bash headliner will be country icons Lonestar, with Two Weeks Notice as the opening act. The music starts at 7 p.m. on the City Beach stage and will continue well into the night.

The last day of the water carnival will include the Parade of the Northwest at 1 p.m., and the Bald Eagle Water Ski Show on the City Beach immediately following the parade’s conclusion.

IMG_0749.JPG
The Parade of the Northwest during the 2024 Northwest Water Carnival.
Detroit Lakes Tribune file photo

A full schedule of events can be found online at the Detroit Lakes Jaycees website, which is also where you can go to register for all the events listed on the schedule, as well as to order tickets for the Bash on the Beach.

Mary and Eric.jpg
Eric and Mary Rotter, operators of the nonprofit Laker Prep Preschool and Early Childhood Centers in Detroit Lakes, will be the grand marshals for this year's Parade of the Northwest on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 1 p.m.
Detroit Lakes Tribune file photo

Calendar

For more information and the most up-to-date calendar, visit .

Friday, July 11

  • All day: Citywide garage sales
  • 5-9 a.m.: Kegs and Eggs with KFAN’s Power Trip Morning Show at the Pavilion
  • 5-7 p.m.: Past admirals' dinner at Pavilion
  • 6 p.m.: Kick off party with Some S****y Cover Band
BikeSTart.jpg
Bikers start their ride during the Tour de Lakes on July 8, 2024.
Detroit Lakes Tribune file photo

Saturday, July 12

  • All day: Citywide garage sales
  • 7-9 a.m.: Mark Knutson Memorial Tour de Lakes starting at Detroit Lakes High
  • 9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Kids fishing clinic at the Pier at the fishing pier near El Loro
  • 10 a.m.: SOAR on the Sand at Detroit Lakes City Beach
  • 8-11 a.m.: Breakfast off the Beach at Hub 41
  • 4 p.m.: Doors open for Mad Summer Party with Buckcherry and Blue Öyster Cult at Soo Pass Ranch.

Sunday, July 13, Family Day

  • All day: Chalk the walk at Detroit Lakes City Park; sand sculpture station at Detroit Lakes City Beach; and prize table at City Park
  • 8-11:30 a.m.: Knights of Columbus pancake feed at the Pavilion
  • 8-11 a.m.: Breakfast off the Beach at Hub 41
  • 9-11 a.m.: Trolley rides starting at the Pavilion
  • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Community baby shower at Detroit Lakes City Park
  • 9 a.m.: BYOTee tie-dye at Detroit Lakes City Park
  • 9 a.m.: Toddler trot at Detroit Lakes City Park
  • 9:15 a.m.: Shoe kick at Detroit Lakes City Park
  • 9:30 a.m.: Water balloon/egg toss at Detroit Lakes City Park
  • 10 a.m.: Sand dig at Detroit Lakes City Beach
  • 10:30 a.m.: Turtle/frog races at Detroit Lakes City Park
  • 11 a.m.: Kids Tell Dad Jokes at the Detroit Lakes City Park Bandshell
  • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Face painting at Detroit Lakes City Park
  • 12 p.m.: Lego contest at the Pavilion, judging begins at noon
  • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: All-Ashore Rock Skipping Content at Detroit Lakes City Beach
  • 12 p.m.: Family picnic at Detroit Lakes City Park
  • 1 p.m.: The Kate Spaeth Memorial Pup Plunge at J&K Marina on Detroit Lakes City Beach

Monday, July 14

  • 7 p.m.: Pizza, puzzles and pints at the Pavilion

Tuesday, July 15

  • 5 p.m.: Tuesdays in the Park-On Tap at the Detroit Lakes City Park Bandshell; beer garden opens at 5 p.m.
IMG_8728.JPG
A dog returns from the water during the pup plunge at the 2024 Northwest Water Carnival.
Detroit Lakes Tribune file photo

Wednesday, July 16

  • 4 p.m.: Great Admirals Hat Hunt takes place within Detroit Lakes city limits
  • 5 p.m.: Junior water wars at Detroit Lakes City Park
  • 5:30 p.m.: Ice cream social at Detroit Lakes City Park
  • 7 p.m.: Water fights at Detroit Lakes City Park

Thursday, July 17

  • 8 a.m.-8 p.m.: Skydiving beginning at the Detroit Lakes-Becker County Airport
  • 1:45-6:30 p.m.: Blood drive at the Pavilion parking lot
  • 5-10 p.m.: Bingo at the Pavilion
0704.JPG
Members of the Bald Eagle Water Ski Show, based in Centerville, Minnesota, perform after the Parade of the Northwest on Detroit Lakes as part of the 85th Northwest Water Carnival in Detroit Lakes on July 18, 2021.
Detroit Lakes Tribune file photo

Friday, July 18

  • 12 p.m.: Pickleball tournament at Peoples Park
  • 3-9 p.m.: Inflatable games at Detroit Lakes City Park
  • 3-9 p.m.: Face painting at Detroit Lakes City Park
  • 5-9 p.m.: Teen Bash on the Beach with DJ Love Jones at Detroit Lakes City Beach
  • 5 p.m.: Pre-Bash Park with Troubador, beer garden opens at 5 p.m., music starts at 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 19, Sports Saturday

  • 8-11 a.m.: Breakfast off the Beach at Hub 41
  • 9:30 a.m.: Pet and doll parade/pet show, line up begins at 9:30 a.m. with parade to follow
  • 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Inflatable games at Detroit Lakes City Park
  • 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Face painting at Detroit Lakes City Park 
  • 10 a.m.: Sand volleyball tournament at Peoples Park
  • 10 a.m.: Pickleball tournament at Peoples Park
  • 11 a.m.: Beersbee at Detroit Lakes City Beach
  • 11 a.m.: Bean bag tournament at Detroit Lakes City Beach
  • 6 p.m.: Doors open for Bash on the Beach featuring Lonestar with Two Weeks Notice at Detroit Lakes City Beach. Music begins at 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 20

  • 8-11 a.m.: Breakfast off the Beach at Hub 41
  • 1 p.m.: Parade of the Northwest on Washington Avenue in Detroit Lakes
  • After parade: Water ski show

Check out more stories below by clicking on the gems on the interactive map below:

By
A reporter at Detroit Lakes Newspapers since relocating to the community in October 2000, Vicki was promoted to Community News Lead for the Detroit Lakes Tribune and Perham Focus on Jan. 1, 2022. She has covered pretty much every "beat" that a reporter can be assigned, from county board and city council to entertainment, crime and even sports. Born and raised in Madelia, Minnesota, she is a graduate of Hamline University, from which she earned a bachelor's degree in English literature (writing concentration). You can reach her at 218-844-1454 or vgerdes@dlnewspapers.com.
Conversation

ADVERTISEMENT

What To Read Next
Get Local

ADVERTISEMENT