Latest news with #WaterCarnival

Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Red, White and Boom fireworks offer dazzling display over Lake Bemidji
Jul. 3—BEMIDJI — The night sky over Lake Bemidji lit up in an explosion of color during the Red, White and Boom fireworks show on Wednesday, officially kicking off the Bemidji Jaycees 81st Annual Water Carnival. As the sun set over the lake on Wednesday, Bemidjians gathered at the more popular firework-viewing locations along the south end of the shore, including Diamond Point Park, Library Park, Paul Bunyan Park and South Shore Park. Earlier in the evening, Merriam's Midway opened its gates for the weekend, with hundreds taking advantage of the warm, sunny weather by enjoying rides, games and traditional carnival food. The Water Carnival continues through Sunday — here's a look at the lineup of events you don't want to miss. Merriam's Midway will be open from 1 to 11 p.m. each day through Saturday. On Sunday, the Midway will have an earlier close at 7 p.m. Through Saturday, armbands will cost $20 from 1 to 5 p.m. and $25 from 6 to 11 p.m. On Sunday, armbands will cost $20 from 1 to 7 p.m. Food vendors will be open daily from 1 to 10 p.m. through Sunday. Vendors will include Texas Best BBQ, Hawg Heaven, and Dirty Dough. The Bemidji Chorale will host Bingo daily from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Thursday through Sunday. A Veterans Picnic will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday at the Bemidji Eagles Club. VFW Post 1260 will hold a flag ceremony at 1:30 p.m. with musical entertainment provided by Mike Naylor. A free-will donation will be accepted with proceeds going to the Bemidji Veterans Home. Also at the Eagles Club, Elvis tribute artist Sean Wallin will perform from 3 to 5 p.m. The Kiddie Parade will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday with registration starting at 10 a.m. The parade will start at the Rotary Pavilion and will travel around the Tourist Information Center and down to the south end of Paul Bunyan Park. Attendees also have the opportunity to visit the Carnoch Farmstead Petting Zoo and participate in a bike giveaway at the Rotary Pavilion. The Double Your Fun Color Run is set for Saturday with the Bemidji Junior Jaycees organizing the event. The run starts at 10 a.m. at the Paul Bunyan Park parking lot and goes along the south shore of Lake Bemidji, loops back at the Nymore Boat Access and ends at the starting point. Interested participants can register online at as there will be no on-site registration. Online registration will close at 8 a.m. on Saturday. There will be several color stations along the way to blast attendees with tons of colorful fun. Check-in for the event starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Rotary Pavilion at Paul Bunyan Park. The Jaycees are partnering with the city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department to host a family movie matinee featuring the movie "Matilda" at the Chief Theater 3 p.m. on Saturday. The movie is free to watch. Due to storm damage, all live music events typically held at the Entertainment Tent have been moved to different locations. Here's a look at the schedule of live music happening at the Loft Event Center in downtown Bemidji: * 7 to 10 p.m., Thursday: Corey Medina & Brothers * 6 to 10 p.m., Friday: Prairie Smoke * 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday: Indecent Proposal These events are for attendees ages 18 and older, and the admission cost is $10 per person. A Beer-N-Bags cornhole tournament will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Garden Grill & Pub. The cost to participate is $20 per novice team, $30 per social team and $40 per competitive team. Each team is guaranteed three matches and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers at each level. To register, contact Travis at (218) 759-8810 or email bcsupplies2035@ The Grand Parade will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday. According to an updated release from the Jaycees, the traditional parade route has sustained significant damage from the storm, leading organizers to change the route. "The City of Bemidji worked with us on a solution for a new route," the release said. "They have graciously offered to remove the debris in the Beltrami County Administration Building parking lot, as well as along a new parade route, to ensure we could still have a Grand Parade." The new route starts at the intersection of Eighth Street and Beltrami Avenue, travels south on Beltrami Avenue, turns west on Fourth Street for one block, and then heads north along Minnesota Avenue to end on Eighth Street.


CBS News
03-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
The show must go on: Bemidji kicks off 81st Water Carnival despite recent destructive storm
See the damage from a 100+ mph windstorm in northern Minnesota See the damage from a 100+ mph windstorm in northern Minnesota See the damage from a 100+ mph windstorm in northern Minnesota Roughly a week and a half ago, Bemidji, Minnesota, was hit with straight-line winds exceeding speeds of 100 mph in a storm the mayor says that will change the city forever. Despite this, its 81st annual Water Carnival begins Wednesday night with a fireworks show. It was a 10-mile swath of straight-line winds through northern Minnesota. "It was an essence of having a land hurricane," Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince said. The night of June 20 will stick with Prince forever. "Reports we get back now are 9 million trees down in the path of this. That's an astounding number," Prince said. But through each limb and downed power line, Prince and organizers did visualize one of the city's largest summer events, the 81st annual Water Carnival, happening on time. Bemidji, Minnesota, was hit with straight-line winds exceeding speeds of 100 mph on June 20, 2025. WCCO Eva Fisher, who is a part of the Bemidji Jaycees, says there was never a moment they thought about canceling or moving the event. "This is an 81-year-long tradition," Fisher, who also helps plan the event, told WCCO. "Just today we were setting up for the fireworks and it turns out the landing we use, there was no power. We didn't know that 'til this morning. We're very excited. It's a nice distraction from having to cut trees." Fisher and the event team aren't the only ones working out the kinks — businesses are too. The town's Dairy Queen posted on Facebook, saying they're happy to be open for this week's event. "Bemidji might look a little different but we are working hard to reopen to welcome people to our community once again," Prince said. Because, from neighbors helping neighbors, to city and utility workers tirelessly working around the clock, Bemidji says this is what they need: "Bemidji needs you, and Bemidji needs Minnesota and our fellow neighbor states to really keep coming to Bemidji," said Josh Peterson, the executive director for Visit Bemidji. The Water Carnival runs through Sunday. For more information, click here. If you'd like to help, the mayor suggests supporting the United Way of Bemidji Area, as funds will stay local.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
New Report Reveals the Best U.S. Cities for Singles
Whether you're reveling in your independence, swiping right in search of romance, or just trying to find the best spot for a Friday night out, where you live can make all the difference. Some cities are buzzing with energy and nightlife, while others make stretching that single paycheck a whole lot easier. To help you navigate the best places to embrace single life, a recent study crunched the numbers—dating trends, cost of living, job markets, and even which dating apps are hot in different states. These were the results for the best U.S. cities for singles in 2025! Did your city make the cut? Grantsville has that perfect mix of small-town charm and big-city perks. The cost of living? Over 40% lower than the national average. The dating pool? Growing. Outdoor adventures? Plenty. And if you need some nightlife action, Salt Lake City is just a short drive away. Low cost of living, a booming job market, and a 30% spike in the single population? Clute is coming in hot. Plus, it's near the Gulf Coast, meaning spontaneous beach dates are totally a thing here. Close to Ogden, full of job opportunities, and packed with community events, Washington Terrace is perfect for singles who want a small-town feel without sacrificing career potential. Bonus: local farmers' markets and art strolls make for great casual dates. This town is kind to both your wallet and your love life. The cost of living is 11.5% lower than the national average, and the dating scene? Thriving, thanks to nearly 40% single population growth. Plus, the wineries here make for some pretty impressive first-date spots. This is where young professionals thrive. The median income is nearly 75% higher than the national average, and the job market is booming. Plus, Indianapolis is just a short drive away, meaning plenty of nightlife and date spots are within reach. Want a slower pace of life? Willard's got you covered. Affordable living, strong community vibes, and events like the Willard Freedom Fest keep things social without the chaos of a big city. For singles who love adventure, Jerome is a dream. Stunning landscapes, outdoor activities galore, and a cost of living 11% below the national average? Yes, please. This small-town gem is nestled between Salt Lake City and Ogden, making job opportunities and nightlife easily accessible. Local festivals and outdoor movie nights also add some extra charm to the dating scene. A young, growing single population, fun events like the Lights of the Ozarks Festival, and a cost of living 10% below the national average? Farmington is an underrated gem for singles. Read more: 12 of the Worst States to be Single, According to a New Study A historic Texas town with an affordable lifestyle and a solid dating scene? Sounds like a win. Events like the annual Water Carnival add to the fun, making it a great place to meet new people. Being single should be fun, and where you live can make all the difference. Whether you're looking for career growth, a buzzing social life, or just an affordable place to call home, these cities have a little something for everyone. So if you're thinking ab