For more than 66 years, the Hutchinson Jaycees’ Water Carnival has been one of the town’s largest summer celebrations.

The 60 members of the Hutchinson Jaycees are responsible for this event that takes place June 9-15.

This year, Water Carnival Commodore Anthony Hanson and Vice Commodore Troy Lenarz will coordinate the festival’s many activities.

The celebration kicks off at the first Music in the Park concert of the season, Monday, June 9. At this event, the eight Miss Hutchinson candidates make their first public appearance. In addition, attendees can enjoy dessert at the ice cream social fundraiser, listen to the spirited music of New Ulm’s Concord Singers, and watch the flag-raising ceremony conducted by members of the BPO Elks, VFW and the Hutchinson American Legion. The Hutchinson Leader’s Medallion Hunt also begins June 9.

On Tuesday, June 10, focus turns to the Crow River where the canoe races and the boat parade take place. The canoe races take place prior to the boat parade. Units participating in the boat parade line up at the Roberts Park boat landing. The boats sail from Roberts Park to near the dam. Three units will earn awards as the best-decorated boats. In case of rain, the water parade will be rescheduled for Thursday.

On Friday and Saturday, June 13-14, Hutchinson will welcome home 2006 Miss Hutchinson Jaclyn Auger and Princess Stacy Backen for this year’s pageant Friday evening at the Hutchinson High School Auditorium, 1200 Roberts Road.

This year’s candidates present themselves in competitions for talent, evening gown and a question-and-answer segment. The new Mr. Hutchinson and Hutchinson Woman of the Year honorees will also be named.

On Friday, June 13, the Teddy Bear Band will “rock your teddies,” as children gather to hear this Water Carnival favorite. This event will again be conducted at Library Square.

Saturday, June 14, features Kiddie Day activities, which include a short parade, costume contest and the junior royalty coronation. At the coronation Junior Queen Eliza Smith and Junior Commodore Dylan Reid will name the next junior royalty.

Outdoor activities such as the 8K Run, 5K Fun Run/Walk and 1-mile Kids Run are scheduled for Saturday morning. Adults can also play mud volleyball in a tournament at Masonic/West River Park. There is also a bike ride offering two categories: family and 25-mile. The fourth annual Water Carnival Softball Tournament is scheduled to take place during the weekend, too.

In addition to Music in the Park concert, dances are part of Water Carnival week, taking place Friday night and Sunday afternoon, plus there is a Farmer’s Market on Saturday next to Library Square.

On Sunday, June 15, an estimated 20,000 people will line the Grande Day Parade route on Main Street.

Following the parade, visitors are welcome to enjoy the carnival and special events. The coronation of the new Miss Hutchinson will take place that evening at the Hutchinson High School Auditorium. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m., following the coronation.

Watch the Hutchinson Leader for Water Carnival features before the big event. Information is also available online at the Hutchinson Jaycees’ Water Carnival’s Web site at www.watercarnival.org. Details are also available by calling the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau at (320) 587-5252.