Minneapolis Aquatennial

Originating in 1940, overshadowing the teamster picnics "to take the minds of Minneapolis citizens off past troubles and focus all minds throughout the state on some pleasant event",[1] the Minneapolis Aquatennial celebrates the city's famous lakes, rivers, and streams.

Advertised as The Best Days of Summer the festivities initially included some 200 events over 10 days (hence Aqua-ten-ial),[1] at one point or another including the Aqua Follies, the Xcel Energy Sand Castle Competition, the Tom Thumb Milk Carton Boat Races, the Ultimate Wireless Co-ed Beach Volleyball Tournament, a sailing regatta, a tennis invitational, the Life Time Fitness Triathlon, many parades, among them the Minnegasco Torchlight Parade, the Master of International Management presents Shakespeare in the Park, Subway Block Party and the final Target Fireworks, one of the largest in the country, much larger than the city's Fourth of July celebration.

In 1941, among the Aqua Follies was the Aqua Dears, a synchronized swimming troupe with strict height and weight limits of 5'4" and 125 lbs[2] In 1971 the Tom Thumb Milk Carton Boat Races was conceived by advertising executives looking to drum up sales.

The Queen of the Lakes and two Aquatennial Princesses are chosen to represent the festival and city of Minneapolis all over the state, nation and world.

Fifty young women representing communities throughout the state of Minnesota participate in the program.