Site Map

Book Your Hotel Online

Or call 800.620.1958 - Search for flights and car rentals, too. Best hotel rates guaranteed.

News Releases

AQUATENNIAL PRODUCERS ANNOUNCE ’09 HAPPENINGS

17 June 2009

festivals Aquatennial parade

Minneapolis (June 17, 2009)--On the day marking one month until the festival, the producers of the Minneapolis Aquatennial hosted an event today to make several announcements about this year's 70th Annual festival. The 2009 Minneapolis Aquatennial will take place July 17 – 25.

Peavey Plaza hosted an array of local dignitaries including Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak; Sam Grabarski, President and CEO and Leah Wong, VP of Events and Marketing for the Minneapolis Downtown Council; 2009 Aquatennial Commodore Thomas W. LaSalle and Queen of the Lakes Tara Litwinchuk; and representatives from several Aquatennial event sponsors.

Here is a recap of the announcements:

  • Mayor R.T. Rybak announced a partnership with the Aquatennial and Clean City
  • Minneapolis to provide waste and recycling services. This year, as folks enjoy the Aquatennial they will notice an emphasis on recycling.

In addition, the Aquatennial will attempt its first “zero waste" event at the Star Tribune Beach Bash (with the exception of the milk carton boats). Recycling bins will be prominent at signature Aquatennial events.

  • Jenny Leabo of the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council announced that The Gin Blossoms will headline the Labor Neighborhood Block Party on Friday, July 17.
  • The official kick-off party of the Aquatennial will take place in downtown Minneapolis between 3rd and 4th Streets on Nicollet Mall from 5 – 11 p.m. Two local bands, including Rocket Club, will open the festivities.
  • Star Tribune Beach Bash activities were announced by Tom Rainey from the publication. The Star Tribune Beach Bash will take place on Sunday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Calhoun's Thomas Beach.

Activities will include the Land O'Lakes Sandcastle Competition, Aquatennial Milk Carton Boat Races, Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive, Wilderness Inquiry's Voyageur Canoe Paddling Instruction, and more.

In addition, Lyndia Botham from Land O'Lakes announced a new category in the Land O'Lakes Sandcastle Competition in honor of the 70th Aquatennial called Simply Summer. Simply Summer creations will give builders the opportunity to showcase their favorites summer memory, activity or landmark in the sand.

To register for the Land O'Lakes Sandcastle Competition or Aquatennial Milk Carton Boat Races, please visit www.aquatennial.com or you may do so on-site the day of the events.

  • The theme for the 2009 Aquatennial CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade, "This Year, There's No Place Like Home," was announced by Rebecca Virden of Center Point Energy. A challenge was sent to parade participants to get creative and tie the Aquatennial's 70th Celebration to their units.

The evening spectacular will take place Wednesday, July 22 beginning at 8:30 p.m. along Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis.

The DeLaSoulja Steppers from De La Salle High School have partnered with CenterPoint Energy and will entertain parade-goers along the parade route.

  • The Target Fireworks Show, one of the largest annual fireworks shows in the nation, will be held on Saturday, July 25 beginning at 10 p.m.

The official finale to this year's festival will feature a musical tribute to the 70 years of Aquatennial with the event’s soundtrack covering seven decades of memorable music.

  • The Xcel Energy RiverBlast will once again precede the Target Fireworks Show.
  • Elliot Jaffee of U.S. Bank announced continuation of their support of the U.S. Bank Volunteer Shines program.

Volunteers are still needed for this year's festival. Those interested should visit www.aquatennial.com for more info.

The decorative backdrop for the announcement event, including royalty dresses, crowns and photographs, was provided by Hennepin History Museum, an official partner of the Aquatennial.

The 70th Annual Minneapolis Aquatennial takes place July 17 - 25, 2009. The Official Civic Celebration of the City of Minneapolis offers outstanding entertainment and activities in the City of Lakes for all ages. It is managed and produced by the Minneapolis Downtown Council.

The festival is sponsored by Target, Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council, CenterPoint Energy, U.S. Bank, Subaru, Land O’Lakes, Sun Country Airlines, Xcel Energy, Star Tribune, Coors Light, Potbelly Sandwich Works, and LifeTime Fitness.

For more information, please visit www.aquatennial.com or call 612-376-7669.

About the Minneapolis Downtown Council

The Minneapolis Downtown Council works to preserve and enhance a vital and attractive downtown for the people who invest, work, shop, visit and live in Minneapolis. Founded in 1955 and one of the oldest central business district associations in the nation, the Minneapolis Downtown Council produces such cherished Minneapolis events as the Aquatennial and Holidazzle Parade. For more information, visit www.downtownmpls.com.