Sunday was the perfect day for a parade – sunny and 65 degrees in Carver, Minnesota.
The Carver Steamboat Days parade on Sept. 7 began as usual by honoring local veterans with the playing of “God Bless The USA” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Next came the Chaska High School marching band playing “America, The Beautiful.”
The rest of the parade was filled with performers, student groups, local businesses, scouts, politicians and several firetrucks. The streets were lined with families and children eager to catch as much candy and goodies as possible.
Traditionally held the first full weekend after Labor Day, Carver Steamboat Days celebrates the history of Carver. According to the City of Carver website (https://www.cityofcarver.com/DocumentCenter/View/355/History-of-Carver-PDF), steamboats were essential to the formation and growth of Carver.
In the 1850’s, immigrants arrived by steamboats on the Minnesota River, as did all the supplies they needed to build a life there. By 1857, there was a daily steamboat route established between Carver and St. Paul.
Steamboat travel would eventually be replaced by trains, and then automobiles. In 1970, the town held the first annual festival to commemorate its history, a two-day event in September originally called the “Steamboat Jubilee and Antique Show.”
Fifty-five years later, the weekend celebration continues, now a three-day festival including live bands, food vendors, fire department water fights, bean bag contest, car show, garage sales, plenty of kids’ activities, and fireworks. And it all wraps up with a big parade in downtown Carver on Sunday afternoon.
