been added to the lineup. These include a reception for past queens following the Miss Northwest Pageant, a kickoff dance, the incorporation of Water Carnivalthemed library programs, a tennis tournament, and a youth basketball competition. Admirals are also looking to make a tribute to Water Carnival’s history. “We are hoping to get classic cars to represent each year for the classic car cruise,” Thorson said. “We’d love to see it happen.” Anyone with a classic car dating from the past 75 years is asked to contact the admirals if they are interested in lending it to the cause. “We’ve made some significant changes to the schedule,” Thorson added. This year, the traditional Wednesday night water fights will move to Friday the 16th, “to make it more of an all-night atmosphere.” The admirals felt this would allow out-of-towners a better chance to get involved, as well as eliminating the need to get up early for work the following morning. Of course, everybody’s favorites will be back for the 75th. Events like the demo derby, the Great Admiral’s Hat Hunt, kids games in the park, and music in the beer garden will all return for another year’s worth of friends, fun, laughs, liquor, games and giggles. Water Carnival’s history couldn’t have been created without the collaboration of the entire town, which dates back as far as the festival does. “We are so grateful for the overwhelming support of area businesses,” Thorson said, adding that many new businesses are contributing this year despite the economy’s desperate state. “We don’t have to skimp. We can make it what it needs to be.” This year’s Water Carnival promises to be a thrilling culmination of 75 years’ worth of summertime splashing. Water Carnival buttons and event brochures are available at the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses participating in Button Daze, which span Sunday to Sunday. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.dlwatercarnival.com. “As always, we’re praying for nice weather, but we have no control over that,” Thorson said. “Water Carnival’s going to happen rain or shine. We’ll get wet either way.” Just like we’ve been doing for the past 75 years.
Schedule highlights
Friday, July 9: 7 p.m. – Miss Northwest Pageant, Historic Holmes Theatre; 8 p.m.-midnight – Kick-off dance featuring Sell Out Stereo, DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS
Pavilion Saturday, July 10: 7-9 a.m. – Midsummer Bike Tour, Pavilion; 9 a.m. – Geocache, Pavilion; 9 a.m. –Fly-In & Pancake Breakfast, DL Airport; 5 p.m. gates open, 6 p.m. start – Demolition Derby, Fairgrounds Sunday, July 11: 1 p.m. – Boat Parade, City Beach; 1:30 p.m. – Frog Jump & Turtle Race, City Park; 2 p.m. – Water Balloon Toss, City Park; 3-5 p.m. – Concert featuring Doc-n-the-Scrubs, City Park Bandshell Monday, July 12: 6 p.m. – Junior Pageant, Pavilion; 7 p.m. – Kids Music Show featuring Tim Eggebraaten, City Park Bandstand Tuesday, July 13: 9:30 p.m. – Movie in the Park, City Park Bandshell; 9 p.m. – Night Golf, Lakeview Course at DL Country Club Wednesday, July 14: 6 p.m. – Bed Races, City Park; 6 p.m. – Ice
Cream Social, City Park; 7:30 p.m. – Baseball: DL Angels vs. NY Mills, Washington Park Thursday, July 15: 5 p.m. – Bingo, Pavilion; 7-10 p.m. – Home Brew Contest & Beer Tasting, Zorbaz Friday, July 16: 6:30 p.m. – Water Fights, City Park; 8 p.m.-midnight – Polka at the Pavilion, Pavilion Saturday, July 17: 7 a.m. – Fun Run/Walk, Pavilion; 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Chili & Salsa Cook-off, Pavilion; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Live Music: Island Time, Pavilion Beer Garden; 10:30 a.m. – Pet & Doll Parade, Holy Rosary; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Classic Car Show, City Park; 11:15 a.m. – Family Picnic, City Park; 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Live Music: Emma Wood with Keith Thornby, Pavilion Beer Garden; 2 p.m. – Ship Building Contest, Pavilion; 3 p.m. – Sandcastle Contest, Beach by Pavilion; 4-6 p.m. – Live Music: Vincent and the Van-goes, Pavilion Beer Garden; 8 p.m.-midnight – Bash on the Beach featuring Troubadour, Pavilion Sunday, July 18: 8-11:30 a.m. – Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast, Pavilion; 12:45 p.m. – Classic Car Cruise, Washington Avenue; 1 p.m. – Parade of the Northwest, Washington Avenue; 3:30 p.m. – Water Ski Show featuring Shockwaves, City Beach
For more information about the Northwest Water Carnival and a complete schedule of events, visit www. dlwatercarnival.com. SUMMER SCENE | july 2010 | 13