Epic Fun Alert: Minneapolis Aquatennial 2024 Kicks Off With Awesome Events & Star Power!
Minneapolis Aquatennial 2024: where epic parades, dazzling fireworks, and celebrity appearances promise a week of non-stop excitement! 🎉 #News #Minneapolis #Aquatennial2024
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Minneapolis Aquatennial is back next week with a lineup of free events, including its famous parade and spectacular fireworks show. This fun Minneapolis event is one of the most epic summer festivals in Minnesota!
What is the Minneapolis Aquatennial?
The Minneapolis Aquatennial is the city’s annual civic celebration, running this year from July 24 to July 27, 2024. The event features multiple activities, including the much-anticipated Torchlight Parade and a grand fireworks display to close the festivities.
Torchlight Parade Details
The Torchlight Parade starts the celebrations. It begins at 12th Street South on Nicollet Mall at 7:30 p.m. on July 24 and concludes at Fourth Street South. Expect to see colorful floats and lively performances, with the event emceed by K102’s Chris Carr and Company.
2024 Parade Grand Marshals
This year’s Grand Marshals are Nicole Hensley and Lee Stecklein, stars of the Walter Cup Champion Minnesota Professional Women’s Hockey League team. Hensley is a trailblazing goaltender and two-time Olympian, while Stecklein, a Roseville native, is a three-time Olympic medalist.
How to Watch the Fireworks
The fireworks show, which is one of the festival’s highlights, will be re-aired by WCCO on CBS News Minnesota. You can catch it live immediately after the 10 p.m. newscast on July 27. It will also be available on Pluto TV.
A Look Back at Aquatennial History
The Minneapolis Aquatennial began in 1939, conceived by local businessmen aiming to promote the city as a summer destination and boost civic pride.
The first festival took place in July 1940, featuring over 200 events and drawing a crowd of more than 200,000 people. The name “Aquatennial,” chosen through a contest, celebrates the city’s lakes and rivers.
Memorable Past Events
Over the years, the Aquatennial has seen many popular events, such as the Aqua Follies, which featured a synchronized swimming show on Lake Wirth, and the Milk Carton Boat Race on Lake Bde Maka Ska.
While some events have come and gone, the Queen of Lakes pageant, the Torchlight Parade, and the grand fireworks show have remained staples of the festival.
Getting to the Aquatennial
You can take Metro Transit to the Torchlight Parade by downloading a free ride pass here, valid from 4 p.m. to midnight on July 24. Parking is available in the ramps on 10th, 7th, 6th, and 5th streets.
For a complete schedule of events, visit the official Minneapolis Aquatennial website here. Parade info is here. Be sure to stay tuned to JackAndKitty.com for more updates and get ready to enjoy one of Minneapolis’s most exciting celebrations! We’ll see you there!
