For 50 years, River City Days has been pulling Chaska residents and visitors together for a weekend of summer fun.

This year’s edition of River City Days — July 23-26 — promises to add a few new wrinkles that will ramp up the entertainment value for attendees.

A spectacular drone show, lighting up the sky above Lion’s Park with colorful images, is planned for Saturday night (July 25) at 10:15 p.m.

In addition, the community parade has shifted to Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. in hopes of some cooler temperatures for the audience and parade units.

Also planned throughout the weekend are high-quality music performances, bounce houses, 150+ vendors, a fire dancer show and much more.

The major community gathering owes much to the pioneers who launched the annual celebration back in 1975. Several of those early River City Days organizers and volunteers will be roaming the event grounds throughout the weekend.

The Beginning

Planning for a new Chaska community celebration began in 1974.

In the 1930s through the late 1940s, Chaska’s big community gathering was known as Sugar City Days (linked to the city’s sugar plant that had operated for years). The celebration was coordinated by the Greater Chaska, Inc. organization.

By 1961, the event was renamed Crazy Days and featured business sales, bands, a community parade and a kiddie parade.

In 1975, the first River City Days — sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 22-24 — turned out to be a huge deal.

“Next weekend promises to be one of the most active and enjoyable in the history of Chaska,” according to a story in the Chaska Herald.

Among the events was a bed race, horseshoe tournament, softball tournament, canoe races on the Minnesota River between Carver and Chaska, street dances, and a competitive swimming meet in the clayhole featuring seven age brackets.

Seven fire departments took part in a water fight next to city park.

One of the biggest attractions was ”Picnic in the Park” with a menu of “buttery corn on the cob,” a hot dog and pickles for just 50 cents.

A golf tournament at Bluff Creek Golf Course attracted 100 golfers and raised money for the Williams Scholarship Fund at the University of Minnesota. Sports dignitaries showed up for the fun, including Lou Nanne, Paul Giel, Murray Warmath and Bob Allison.

“Those were just the very early beginnings of Jonathan, which was pulling business up on the hill,” said Tracy Swanson, Chaska mayor (1979-1984). “River City Days was a way to create a hometown-type atmosphere and bring people downtown. It attracted a lot of people from the north, which was extremely important in getting Jonathan and Chaska to be the same city.”

Evolving Celebration

Just days before the 50^th year celebration, Swanson and Bob Roepke, another former Chaska mayor (1985-2002), were sharing stories while visiting the Chaska Historical Society.

Roepke fondly recalled the street dances, which required the city to close Walnut Street between Third and Fourth Streets.

He said the Moravian Church served up ice cream, while Copper’s handed out free watermelon slices. The Rotary Club hosted a steak fry on Saturday nights, and the Lion’s Club manned the beer garden. The League of Women Voters sold soda and water.

“As the town became more diverse, the event became more diverse,” Roepke said. “There were more diverse foods choices representing the Hispanic community.”

In the 1980s and early 1990s, the Chamber coordinated the annual celebration.

But in the late 1990s, local chiropractor Tim Sebenaler stepped in to keep River City Days alive. When the Chamber bowed out of running the event, Sebenaler helped keep things humming.

A separate nonprofit organization launched since then to maintain and improve the celebration, along with ongoing support from the local Lion’s Club.

“They’ve done a lot of different kinds of events and things as part of River City Days,” Roepke said, “trying to engage the community and get them involved. The point of it all is to build community.”

This Year

The community parade kicks off River City Days at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Check out the parade route and save a spot to watch the fun. The lineup includes local businesses, nonprofits, performers and family-friendly fun as units make their way through downtown.

Friday

• Memorial Blood Centers will be conducting a blood donation drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chaska Curling and Event Center. Memorial Blood Centers has been part of River City Days since 2012. There’s currently a national and local blood shortage, making this year’s drive very important.
• The River City Days Marketplace is open from 4 to 8 p.m. in Lion’s Park. Shop the Marketplace all weekend featuring local makers, small businesses and nonprofits. From handmade goods to unique finds.
• The Kids Zone at Lion’s Park is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Kids will be able to run, jump and play all weekend in the Kids Zone, featuring bounce houses, interactive activities and more. Bounce house wristbands are required for $5, with proceeds supporting the local clubs and organizations volunteering to help monitor activities and keep the park clean. A parent or guardian must be present to sign a liability waiver and supervise children at all times.
• The “Many Cultures, One Chaska” Opening Celebration will run from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, honoring the many cultures, traditions and people who make Chaska unique. Presented by the Chaska Human Rights Commission, this opening ceremony will feature cultural demonstrations, performances, music, dance and interactive experiences from groups representing communities from around the world — all taking place under the white tent at Lions Park. From traditions passed down through generations to modern cultural expressions, this celebration is an opportunity to come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the diversity that helps shape our community. All ages are welcome to attend this free community event.
• Food and drink options for attendees will be available at Lion’s Park from 4 to 11 p.m. A wide variety of food trucks serving up everything from festival favorites to unique local eats will be offered all weekend long.
• Incredible musical performances are on the schedule all weekend. With two stages and a full lineup of bands and entertainment, everyone will find something to enjoy.
• A balloon twister will offer free creations from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Kids Pavilion. Kids can take home their favorite designs.
• At 6 p.m., youngsters are invited to the Kids Pavilion for Cinderella Storytime. Presented by Storybook Entertainment, this engaging storytime experience is followed by a special photo opportunity with your favorite characters. Perfect for little ones and families alike!
• Armoured Combat returns for performances between 6 and 8 p.m. Get ready for the clash of steel as the Twin Cities Wyverns return for an action-packed weekend of full-contact combat demonstrations. Known as Minnesota’s foremost armored combat team, the Wyverns bring the intensity of medieval battle to life with real steel weapons, authentic armor and combat inspired by medieval tournaments.
• The Jake Nelson Band kicks off band performances on the Lion’s Park Main Stage. They will play from 7 to 11 p.m. The Jake Nelson Band brings high-energy country and crowd-favorite hits to the stage.

Saturday

• The second day of River City Days fun kicks off at 8 a.m. with a Pickleball Tournament at Lion’s Park. Whether you’re playing to compete or just for fun, this tournament is a great way to get involved and enjoy some friendly competition. Register in advance to secure your place on the court.
• From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Eastern Carver County Middle School garage bands take the stage. These young musicians bring energy, creativity and a mix of crowd-favorite songs. Come support the bands and experience the future of live music.
• The Marketplace continues from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Lion’s Park, featuring local makers, small businesses and nonprofits, offering everything from handmade goods to unique finds.
• The Kids Zone is again open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., featuring bounce houses, interactive activities and more.
• The Chaska Lion’s Club will host Lingo at 10 a.m. — a fun twist on traditional bingo that’s free to play and open to all ages. There will be 10 rounds of exciting play. Win great prizes from local businesses and community sponsors. No registration is required — just stop by the white tent, grab a card, and join the fun.
• Food and drinks will be available for purchase from 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday.
• A storytime with Moana will be held at 11 a.m. in the Kids Pavilion. Presented by Storybook Entertainment, the engaging storytime experience is followed by a photo opportunity.
• At noon, families are again invited to a storytime with Rapunzel under the Kids Pavilion.
• Armoured Combat returns at noon for simulated combat with real steel weapons and authentic armor. Whether you’re a history fan, fantasy lover, Ren Fest enthusiast, or just want to see armored warriors collide in the middle of Chaska, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
• From 1 to 2 p.m., Chaska firefighter will take on opponents in the annual Water Fights in Lion’s Park. This family-friendly event is a perfect way to cool down and have fun during Chaska River City Days. Bring your friends, family and a playful spirit. Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, it’s sure to be a blast.
• Music on the Main Stage continues from 1 to 5 p.m. with the band Sugar Buzz. Bringing party rock hits from the 1970s to today, they’ll have you dancing, singing and having a blast all afternoon.
• From 2 to 6 p.m., basketball enthusiasts are invited to participate in a free basketball challenge, competing for cash prizes. There’s no defense, no tricks and no gimmicks —it’s just you, the ball and the hoop. Designed so all ages and skill levels can compete side by side. Everyone has a fair shot to win!
• Mr. Fun Spin Zone & Circus Play is slated from 3 to 5 p.m.
• A free petting zoo, presented by Rakow Ranch, will be available from 3 to 6 p.m. Rakow Ranch brings their popular mobile petting zoo to the festival. Meet friendly goats, rabbits, ducks and more in a hands-on experience perfect for animal lovers of all ages.
• Armoured Combat returns for another performance from 4 to 5 p.m.
• The evening music performance on the Main Stage features 17 Kevin’s Band from 5 to 9 p.m. Known for their high-energy performances, incredible musicianship, and fun-loving stage presence, 17 Kevins delivers a show that keeps crowds singing, dancing and laughing from start to finish.
• From 7 to 8 p.m., the Armoured Combat crew returns for yet another performance.
• At 8:30 p.m., a Fire Dancer Performance will wow the crowd, featuring mesmerizing choreography, daring fire artistry and incredible skill. Watch as the performer spins blazing poi, staffs, fans and other fire props to create a spectacular display of light, motion and flame.
• The Fabulous Armadillos Band closes Main Stage entertainment from 9 p.m. to midnight. Known for their spot-on recreations of hits across genres — from country to rock to Motown — they deliver a high-energy show that sounds just like you remember. Get ready for a packed dance floor and an unforgettable night.
• During a brief break in the music, a drone light show will be offered at 10:15 p.m., featuring 150 drones in a choreographed light snow. It’s an aerial experience that blends technology, music and storytelling high above Lions Park. Drone shows are designed to be an environmentally friendly and more inclusive form of entertainment. Instead of loud explosions, you’ll experience a beautifully choreographed display with the gentle hum of the drones — making it a more enjoyable experience for young children, pets and those who are sensitive to loud noises.

Sunday

• The final day of River City Days begins with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. The all-you-can-eat meal is hosted by Cub Scout Pack 301 of Chaska and Carver. Enjoy pancakes, pork and chicken sausage, breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, coffee and orange juice. Kids aged 0 to 3 are free, ages 4 to 11 are $6, and ages 12 and up are $10.
• Chalk artist Tara Aiken will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. creating a special 50^th anniversary mural live. The community is invited to be part of the fun! Families and kids are welcome to help decorate the sidewalks surrounding the mural throughout the day. Free chalk will be provided. Tara is a nationally recognized, self-taught chalk artist, muralist and 3-D artist known for her photorealistic artwork and large-scale interactive art experiences.
• The Kids Zone continues from 10 a.m. to closing at 4 p.m.
• Marketplace vendors will continue to sell wares from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Food and drink will be available for purchase from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The Rakow Ranch Petting Zoo continues from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Mr. Fun Spin Zone & Circus Play will create bubble fun from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Up-and-coming country star Tyler Herwig performs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Main Stage.
• Spiderman Storytime will be at noon under the Kids Pavilion. Presented by Storybook Entertainment, the storytime experience is followed by a special photo opportunity with your favorite characters.
• The basketball challenge for all ages continues from noon to 4 p.m. Cash prizes awarded for the free event.
• Captain America shows up for a final Storytime at 1 p.m. under the Kids Pavilion.
• An expert balloon twister creates designs for youngsters from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Kids Pavilion.