The Detroit Lakes Jaycees have been sponsoring the annual Northwest Water Carnival since they organized as a chapter in 1935. The Water Carnival is one of the longest running festivals in the state of Minnesota. It has become one of the premier summer events in the lakes area, and includes a wide range of activities for the whole family.

The first Water Carnival was held in 1935. It took several years to become established, and was even cancelled in 1937. However, it has been held every year since then. Water Carnival has been well-attended, and has grown to be as much as an 11-day affair with more than 60 events. In its current format, it will be a 10-day event, beginning Friday, July 12th, with the Miss Northwest Pageant at the Historical Holmes Theater, and will conclude on Sunday, July 21st with everyone’s favorite: The Parade of the Northwest.

The Detroit Lakes Jaycees is an all-volunteer civic organization. Led by the “Admiral,” the Jaycees work hard all year planning and coordinating the Water Carnival, which is supported by our area’s business community. After the parade, the Jaycees traditionally gather by the Pavilion to find out who will be the next Admiral. The Admiral is selected by the current Jaycee President to be in charge of the Water Carnival. The identity of the new Admiral is kept secret until after the Parade, and is the subject of much speculation by Jaycees past and present.