08/28/2026
****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****
Bemidji Jaycees, Northwest Minnesota Foundation partner on fund to replace Water Carnival Entertainment Tent
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Jaycees are pleased to announce their partnership with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for a project fund to replace a significant part of a generational tradition.
The Jaycees lost their Water Carnival Entertainment Tent when an unexpected low-wake wind swept across the Lake Bemidji Waterfront on June 29, 2026, three days before the 82nd Annual Water Carnival was slated to begin.
With the support of the amazing Bemidji community, a rental tent was set up in time for America 250 events over the Fourth of July. But as we look to the future, the Jaycees are seeking a replacement tent to keep the Water Carnival tradition going.
After insurance and the generous contributions collected so far, the Jaycees are within reach of ordering a new and improved tent in January 2027 to ensure delivery before the 83rd Annual Water Carnival.
Please help us reach our goal by making a tax-deductible donation to the Bemidji Jaycees Tent Project Fund at Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s secure donor website at https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=f38735f2-ea9b-4add-81a8-4a4ebf082676&envid=p-t5KFTyTSF0e1f8RnczuuQw&zone=usa
About the Bemidji Jaycees: The Bemidji Jaycees have been developing leaders in our community since its founding in 1937. The Jaycees today are a group of active citizens between the ages of 18 and 40. Projects include the Bemidji Jaycees Annual Water Carnival, the BRRRmidji Plunge, BRRRmidji Days, Bemidji State University’s CAD Events, and the Beltrami County Fair.
About the Northwest Minnesota Foundation: The Northwest Minnesota Foundation invests resources, facilitates collaboration and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.
