The first homes in Hoyt Lakes were built in 1954 and in the fall of 1955 the residents in Hoyt Lakes got together at Birch Cove on Colby Lake for a City Picnic.  This became an annual event and grew bigger and bigger each year as the town grew and prospered. 

Arial view of Hoyt Lakes, MN  est. mid. 50's

First queen in 1958 Peggy Tregillis (Kapsh)
 (click to get a closer look at the queen)
See more queens

This event was held in late summer and grew bigger and more popular each year.  As the year’s passed, there were more rides and more and more food booths and of course the every popular beer booth.  Some of the most popular events during the Carnival were the Bingo Booth, Fireman’s Olympics, the Water Ski Show and Softball Tournaments and the Live Music.  Other Tournaments were added which included the sports of Tennis, Volleyball, 5K Race, Inline Skate Race and the Kids Favorite, the Turtle Races.

Hoyt Lakes Jay-Cees

The Hoyt Lakes Business Association ran the Water Carnival for several years as well as the Jay-Cees, Hoyt Lakes Fire Department, and the Hoyt Lakes Chamber of Commerce.  In 1991, the current non-profit organization, Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival Committee, Inc. began organizing the event.

Early Years Parade

The Water Carnival, which started as a small City Picnic, has grown into a four day Festival that draws thousands of people to Hoyt Lakes.  It is held the fourth full weekend of July.  Events now are too numerous to mention, but include Softball, Volleyball, Tennis, Inline Skating, 5K Race, Turtle Race, live music, queen coronation, Dock Dogs, Prior Lake Water Ski Show, a Parade, Fireworks and much, much more!!

Aurora Hoyt Lakes High School Band