64th annual Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival

From 64th annual Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival Website:

The History of Water Carnival

The first homes were built in Hoyt Lakes in 1954, as Erie Mining Company brought in employees for the new mining operation. In the Fall of 1955 the residents got together at Birch Cove on Colby Lake for a City Picnic. This became an annual event and grew bigger each year as the town grew and prospered. The Colby Lake Water Ski Club was formed and the members began to put on a spectacular show at the picnic. Soon more events were organized, rides brought in, food and beer booths added. It was officially named the "Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival."

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

What started as a City Picnic has now grown into a 4-day festival that draws thousands of people to Hoyt Lakes and the surrounding communities. It is held annually on the fourth weekend of July. Events now include softball, volleyball and bean bag tournaments, 5K race, turtle races, bingo, queen coronation, parade, fireworks, Shockwaves water ski show, live music and much, much more!