Healdsburg Water Carnival Delights Community

The third annual Healdsburg Water Carnival did not disappoint as the event proved to be absolute fun for the entire family.

Thousands of people flocked to Veteran’s Memorial Beach on Saturday, July 27 to take part in all of the lively activities.

Community members came to behold the river parade ceremony, gleefully compete in the popular wine-barrel races and observe the rubber duck dash.   

“For us today, its been great to reintroduce the community back to Memorial Beach Park; its a jewel,” said Liz Keeley, event director. “Large grassy areas with picnic tables, barbecues, wide beach and deep water for swimming. We are so fortunate to have this on our backyard.”

The river parade of floats saw a total of 17 wonderful entries with float designs ranging from a pirate ship to a small replica of the Titanic.

The Oak Park Synchronized Swim Team, who just recently won a national championship, then followed the parade.

“The past decades of the carnival at the Russian River brought so many folks to enjoy the day and some fun in the sun,” said Keeley.

The water carnival is a celebration that is steeped in much history.

It is a recreation of the old time water parades that were held in Healdsburg in the 1890’s through the 1940’s.

The carnival’s appreciation of history is especially evident when one acknowledges the water carnival’s most important float, Sandy the Swan.

“She [Sandy the Swan] was inspired by the iconic image of the old time parades that featured a large white swan float going under the bridge,” said Keeley.

Once the parade was finished, enthusiastic young children were able to enjoy a ride on Sandy the Swan for only $3.

The water carnival proceeds go to Regional Parks to maintain the summer swimming beach and to the Sunrise Rotary Club to support youth and family services.

Were you at the Healdsburg Water Carnival? Tell us about your experience.