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75th Aquatennial Begins In Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The next few days in Minneapolis are called "The Best Days of Summer."

And this year they are even better as the city celebrates 75 years of their Aquatennial celebration.

The 75th annual Minneapolis Aquatennial kicks off Friday, July 18.

Organizer Leah Wong said the city festival began 75 years ago when a group of civic leaders took a trip to Winnipeg and experienced the Canadians celebration of their city.

They decided to bring the celebration back home and created an annual event that celebrates the city of Minneapolis and all that it represents.

For the 75th year, flagship events will return with a few twists.

The Star Tribune Beach Bash will return on Sunday, July 20 including the Xcel Energy Sandcastle Competition, and this year will include log rolling.

An event has been added on Saturday, July 19, as the Minneapolis Convention Center will host a Creative City Challenge Play Day.

And of course, the festival will wrap up with fireworks on Saturday, July 26 along West River Parkway.

The event is free, but there are a few events that require registration.

For more information, visit the Minneapolis Aquatennial online.

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