Lake City Chamber of Commerce
This summer, Lake City will proudly host its 54th annual Water Ski Days June 25-28, which will feature not only expanded water ski programming but also a full slate of family-friendly activities. Each year, the festival attracts around 20,000 attendees, who come for the carnival rides, live entertainment, vibrant parade, and spectacular water ski shows.
The rich history of water skiing dates back to 1922, when 18-year-old Ralph Samuelson invented the sport on Lake Pepin, using homemade pine boards and a clothesline while being towed behind a boat. In honor of his groundbreaking work, Lake City celebrates this invention with its annual Water Ski Days festival, solidifying its reputation as the “Birthplace of Water Skiing.”
What began as a community-centered celebration has evolved into a multiday summer festival that offers activities for all ages, alongside modern entertainment and expanded athletic programming. Lake Pepin itself provides the backdrop for thrilling water ski shows and competitions.
Patton Park serves as the heart of the festival, hosting the vendor fair and acting as the route for one of the largest parades in Southeast Minnesota.
During the weekend of Water Ski Days, the town’s population swells from just over 5,000 to nearly 20,000. “We bring in a lot of tourism and a lot of people who come to celebrate with us,” says Heather Thomas, president and CEO of the Lake City Chamber of Commerce.
Last year marked the beginning of a significant expansion in the festival’s water ski programming, and Thomas is eager to build on that success. “Last year was our first year hosting the Ralph Samuelson Jump Competition,” she notes. “We brought in jump skiers from across the country, and our goal is to expand that internationally. We also host a water ski tribute show honoring Ralph Samuelson.”
Lake City Chamber of Commerce
Much of the water ski programming is coordinated in collaboration with Legacy Skis, a partnership that commenced about a year and a half ago. The company’s owners recently acquired the jump ski division of Connelly Water Skis of Seattle and now manufacture jump skis in nearby Zumbro Falls. One of Legacy Skis’ owners is a competitive skier with international experience in competitions and ski shows, bringing valuable industry connections and prize support to the event.
Thomas emphasizes the community involvement in making the festival a success. “This event would literally not be happening if it weren’t for our residents of Lake City,” she says. “The volunteer capacity we have here is amazing. Everything from the parade to the beverage tents are volunteer-powered, and the community comes out in full force. It’s phenomenal.”
Lake City Chamber of Commerce
Looking ahead, this year’s expanded water ski lineup includes Ski Dox shows, the return of the high-flying Legacy Thrill Show, and the second annual Ralph Samuelson Freestyle Jump Competition. Other festival activities include a karaoke competition, local and regional musical performances, a visiting Nashville artist, a Venetian boat parade at sunset on Saturday, a volleyball tournament, and a lively vendor fair with local artisans and food vendors. Admission to the water ski programming is free, with one show scheduled for Friday, two on Saturday, and one on Sunday. Evening entertainment and carnival tickets can be purchased in advance online at lakecity.org/waterskidays.
