50th annual Water Ski Days

June 23-26, 2022

Water skiing was invented in Lake City in 1922 by Ralph Samuelson. Each year Lake City celebrates the man and the sport. 

2022 is a big year for Lake City. We’re celebrating 150 years as a city, 100 years of waterskiing and 50 years of Water Ski Days. So come to our quintessential summer party, June 23th-26th and be treated to live concerts, an arts and crafts fair, water-ski shows, a grand parade, a classic car show, and much, much, much more. Scroll down this page for a full schedule of events.
Mark your calendars. We cannot wait to see your smiling faces!

Lake City Celebrates 100 Years as the ‘Birthplace of Water Skiing’ in 2022

It’s been 100 years since Ralph Samuelson invented the sport of water skiing on Lake Pepin. Lake City -with the generous support of Hearth and Home Technologies– brings a full slate of exciting programming in honor of his achievement.
– On Friday (6/25) from 12-5pm the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation will be hosting a free “get on the water” event featuring Joe Knapp (Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame), Betsy Gilman Anderson (world-renowned barefoot skier), and Megan Adams (2020 Junior World Water Ski Champion).
– On Saturday and Sunday over 50 regional show team performers, organized by the Ski Dox show team, will hold 3 gravity-defying shows for fest-goers, complete with reenactments of Ralph Samuelson stunts. These shows will occur at Ohuta Beach on Sat (6/25) at 11am and 4pm and Sun (6/26) at 4pm, with Saturday’s show featuring Wisconsin Rapids pilot and performer Kurt Gross with his Lake Amphibian floatplane. 82-year-old Glen Sperry, the first person to ever ski on stilts, will also showcase his skills at this year’s shows.
– Jay Mercill, professional motocross racer, will be attempting to beat 2 world records riding a motorcycle on water – 20+ miles in distance and 58 mph in speed. Sat (6/25) 12:30pm.
– Lake City Area Arts will be home to a fascinating historical exhibition curated by the Water Ski Hall of Fame. The exhibit will also feature on the hour showings of Ben Threinen’s documentary, Ralph Samuelson: The Father of Water Skiing presented by the Lake City Historical Society.
– Big Water Sports will offer water ski lessons Saturday (6/25) and Sunday (6/26).
– Other Water Ski 100 related activities in Lake City this summer include the public debut screening of Threinen’s documentary at Lincoln High School on June 21, and the official unveiling of a life-sized Ralph Samuelson bronze sculpture at Ohuta Beach Park on July 2.  

2022 WSD Map

Coming Soon: PICK UP YOUR CARNIVAL RIDE tickets in advance AT THE CHAMBER OFFICE, LAKE CITY FRESH MARKET, AND KENNEDY DRUG BY STERLING

Water Ski 100 Presented By…

Jake Davidson Painting

Arts & Crafts Show

Thank you for your interest in the Water Ski Days Arts & Crafts Show.  If you would like to participate as a vendor, the 2022 application can be found here, and the required ST19 form here. All assignments will be given out in the order in which application materials are received.  We will do our best to accommodate your special requests.

The following must be filled out and returned to the Lake City Chamber of Commerce:

• Arts & Crafts Fair Application
• Operator Certificate of Compliance  (ST19 Form)
• Rules & Regulations Form (Pg 3 of Application)- signed & dated 
• Check payable to: Lake City Chamber of Commerce

Grand Parade

Thank you for your interest in the Water Ski Days Parade.  If you would like to participate, you’ll find the necessary paperwork here.  The registration deadline is May 27, 2022.  Your timely response is appreciated and is necessary to guarantee a place in the parade, as the number of units are limited.

The following must be filled out and returned to the Lake City Chamber of Commerce:

• Parade Application
• Certificate of Insurance (Participants must present a certificate of insurance for their vehicle along with the application.)

Grand Parade Application – 2022