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Life is a fun thing. For years it seemed like my daily pace was getting faster and faster and it felt like the day never had enough hours to get everything done. And then the COVID-19 pandemic struck and everything stopped. Suddenly there was no place left. We stayed at home. We wore masks. We have distanced ourselves socially.
Thanks to the miracle of the modern vaccine, life is returning to normal. One of the many recurring events is the Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival from June 15-20.
Last year, Commodore Jon Beach and his first mate Laura Beach faced an unprecedented situation. Did they continue with a traditional water carnival or did they offer a hybrid version based on what happened with the COVID-19 pandemic? They chose security and offered a limited schedule of virtual activities. It turned out to be the right decision.
The first water carnival took place on June 22, 1941, just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor that ushered the United States into the global conflict of World War II.
Like the COVID-19 pandemic, World War II affected the local summer festival. In 1943 there was no water carnival celebration. The following year it was rescheduled but most of the events got rainy and it was canceled in 1945 and 1946 because a carnival was not available.
Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, the water carnival began again. Thanks to the enthusiasm of its sponsors – the Hutchinson Junior Chamber of Commerce – and the support of local businesses, it became a popular summer attraction that continues to this day.
In 2017 the festival celebrated its 75th anniversary. Not a small success in our busy world. The milestone was celebrated with a beefed up Thursday evening program with a boat parade, live music by Andy Austin, food and drink, and fireworks. It was a hit – so much so that it has become a staple of the schedule and will take place on Thursday June 17th this year.
The activities come and go, but what doesn’t change is the spirit of volunteering that makes the water carnival possible. Year after year, people help by sharing their time and talents to make the week of activity a keepsake. In the case of Jon and Laura Beach, as well as Vice-Commodore Ryan Elbert and Second Mate Sam, they did it twice – in 2020 and again in 2021. With demanding jobs and growing families, the four leaders are with the members of the Water Carnival Committees entered events organized and planned – twice – once canceled – and come back to do everything all over again. That is surrender. Kudos to them for wanting to honor the tradition and their hometown of Hutchinson.
Hutchinson celebrated July 4th for many years. From 1916 to 1940, Independence Day activities ranged from a parade and picnic to patriotic speeches, baseball games, and fireworks.
In 1941, the newly founded Hutchinson Junior Chamber of Commerce decided to found a new city festival. It took place on June 22nd on the Crow River. Selling a commemorative badge was the only way to finance the event. It’s a tradition that the Jaycees continue to this day.
The first water carnival included afternoon and evening parades with 30 water carts, as well as rides, shows and concessions.
The national magazine “Friends”, published by Chevrolet Motor Co., featured Hutchinson and his carnival. It was written: “Hundreds of swimmers and bathers used the beautiful surroundings to try out the mill pond.”
It wasn’t long ago that the events moved from the riverside to the McLeod County Fairgrounds. There was a tradition for that. In 1942 the water carnival was held for three days, 3-5. July, extended and took place on the exhibition grounds north of 3M.
Because of the Second World War, there was no water carnival celebration in 1943. In 1945 and 1946 it was canceled again because no carnival was available.
The festival returned in 1947. During the two-day event, 20 queen candidates competed for the Miss Hutchinson title, a pilot’s breakfast and two parades. The radio personality Cedric Adams broadcast his Hutchinson radio show. Don Shaw’s orchestra played for the Saturday night dance. There was continuous entertainment on the river with 50 speedboats and seaplane rides.
Someone had added a note to the 1947 recording: “Perfect weather, a few water swimmers burned, the party went in the red.” Rumor has it that the Hutchinson Leader’s car set off the Brouhaha.
The first Mr. Hutchinson was named in 1957. The honor was given to Lew Merrill, civil engineer for the city and county.
Also that year the Queen’s Ball took place in the new Pla-Mor Ballroom in Glencoe. Guy De Leo provided live music. In 1967 the Queen’s Ball was on the move again. This time it took place in the Lake Marion Ballroom.
The first Hutchinson woman of the year, Jean Peterson, was selected in 1977. The tradition was separated from the water carnival and remained so for over 20 years. In 2002, Mr. Hutchinson and Woman of the Year honors became part of the Friday night festivities.
The Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival was once considered the largest summer festival in the state of Minnesota. It was only dwarfed by the Minneapolis Aquatennial. Today the water carnival attracts thousands of people to the city. The most popular events are the Grande Day Parade on Sunday and the two nights of fireworks.
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