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I just love our local hometown festival, Aquafest...held the last full weekend in July each year. Though it has changed over the years, there are certain key elements that remain the same...the parades, the Aqua run, the 3 on 3 basketball tournament, a softball tournament, the food court, the rides, the crafts fair, the pet show, the Firemen's breakfast, the boat parade, the fireworks on the Lake, to name a few, and a highlight for me...the water skiing and wake board competition.

My husband remembers Aquafest back in the day when nationally ranked water skiers came and competed or put on demonstrations...people like Mike Suyderhoud, Jeff Jobe, and Kris LaPoint. Back then, the water skiing competition was the highlight of the whole festival! Now, the water ski and wake board tournament is just an integral part of the event, sponsored by the Lake Stevens Waterski and Wakeboard Club. This club is amazing...providing water ski and wake board lessons on the lake all summer long for a minimal family fee.

Steve Miller...an internationally ranked water skier, actively involved in the LS Waterski Club.

Years ago our boys took part in the "Children's parade" on Friday evening, often part of a float to promote our church's Vacation Bible School. During the years we were involved in Young Life, we worked various food booths as a way to raise awareness and funds. I've participated in either the 5K or 10K quite a few times, even winning my age bracket the year I turned 50 (competition was obviously pretty lacking that year...I am not known for speed, believe me!). As our younger son hit middle school, he began to compete in the Wake board tournament, winning the Novice division and a new Wake Board his first year!

Saturday evening the Boat parade occurs...with boats all decorated up along with their drivers and riders...throwing candy to all those congregated on docks around the lake. Around 10 p.m. there is a wonderful Fireworks display from a barge on the Lake...so fun to watch!

Of course, one cannot attend Aquafest without stopping at the food court...the Rotary Club's Corn on the Cob, the Lion's Club Barbeque sandwiches, the LSHS Cheerleaders Ice Cream, and Elim Lutheran's Corn dogs are some of my personal favorites!