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BEMIDJI — The night sky over Lake Bemidji lit up in an explosion of color during the Red, White and Boom fireworks show on Wednesday, officially kicking off the Bemidji Jaycees 81st Annual Water Carnival.

As the sun set over the lake on Wednesday, Bemidjians gathered at the more popular firework-viewing locations along the south end of the shore, including Diamond Point Park, Library Park, Paul Bunyan Park and South Shore Park.

Earlier in the evening, Merriam’s Midway opened its gates for the weekend, with hundreds taking advantage of the warm, sunny weather by enjoying rides, games and traditional carnival food.

Arts and Entertainment

Bemidji Jaycees' 81st Annual Water Carnival kicks off with Merriam’s Midway

Laughter and screams filled the air as families and friends gathered at the Sanford Center for Merriam's Midway on Wednesday as the Bemidji Jaycees' 81st Annual Water Carnival kicked off.

Dec 31, 1969

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By  Sarah Suchoski

Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer

Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer

The Water Carnival continues through Sunday — here's a look at the lineup of events you don't want to miss.

Merriam’s Midway will be open from 1 to 11 p.m. each day through Saturday. On Sunday, the Midway will have an earlier close at 7 p.m. Through Saturday, armbands will cost $20 from 1 to 5 p.m. and $25 from 6 to 11 p.m. On Sunday, armbands will cost $20 from 1 to 7 p.m.

Food vendors will be open daily from 1 to 10 p.m. through Sunday. Vendors will include Texas Best BBQ, Hawg Heaven, and Dirty Dough.

The Bemidji Chorale will host Bingo daily from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Thursday through Sunday.

Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer

A Veterans Picnic will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday at the Bemidji Eagles Club. VFW Post 1260 will hold a flag ceremony at 1:30 p.m. with musical entertainment provided by Mike Naylor.

A free-will donation will be accepted with proceeds going to the Bemidji Veterans Home. Also at the Eagles Club, Elvis tribute artist Sean Wallin will perform from 3 to 5 p.m.

Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer

The Kiddie Parade will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday with registration starting at 10 a.m. The parade will start at the Rotary Pavilion and will travel around the Tourist Information Center and down to the south end of Paul Bunyan Park.

Attendees also have the opportunity to visit the Carnoch Farmstead Petting Zoo and participate in a bike giveaway at the Rotary Pavilion.

Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer

The Double Your Fun Color Run is set for Saturday with the Bemidji Junior Jaycees organizing the event. The run starts at 10 a.m. at the Paul Bunyan Park parking lot and goes along the south shore of Lake Bemidji, loops back at the Nymore Boat Access and ends at the starting point.

Interested participants can register online at bemidjijaycees.com as there will be no on-site registration. Online registration will close at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

There will be several color stations along the way to blast attendees with tons of colorful fun. Check-in for the event starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Rotary Pavilion at Paul Bunyan Park.

Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer

The Jaycees are partnering with the city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department to host a family movie matinee featuring the movie "Matilda" at the Chief Theater 3 p.m. on Saturday. The movie is free to watch.

Due to storm damage, all live music events typically held at the Entertainment Tent have been moved to different locations. Here’s a look at the schedule of live music happening at the Loft Event Center in downtown Bemidji:

• 7 to 10 p.m., Thursday: Corey Medina & Brothers
• 6 to 10 p.m., Friday: Prairie Smoke
• 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday: Indecent Proposal

These events are for attendees ages 18 and older, and the admission cost is $10 per person.

Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer

A Beer-N-Bags cornhole tournament will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Garden Grill & Pub. The cost to participate is $20 per novice team, $30 per social team and $40 per competitive team.

Each team is guaranteed three matches and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers at each level. To register, contact Travis at (218) 759-8810 or email bcsupplies2035@gmail.com.

The Grand Parade will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday. According to an updated release from the Jaycees, the traditional parade route has sustained significant damage from the storm, leading organizers to change the route.

"The City of Bemidji worked with us on a solution for a new route," the release said. "They have graciously offered to remove the debris in the Beltrami County Administration Building parking lot, as well as along a new parade route, to ensure we could still have a Grand Parade."

The new route starts at the intersection of Eighth Street and Beltrami Avenue, travels south on Beltrami Avenue, turns west on Fourth Street for one block, and then heads north along Minnesota Avenue to end on Eighth Street.

Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer