Three Rivers Water Festival returns Thursday
Organized by the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, the annual festival is one of the city’s most anticipated summer traditions, offering something for all ages — from pancake breakfasts and a parade to duck races and fireworks.
The Three Rivers Water Festival returns this week, June 12–14, with three days of community celebration, family activities, and live entertainment, bringing thousands to downtown and Scidmore Park.
Organized by the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, the annual festival is one of the city’s most anticipated summer traditions, offering something for all ages — from pancake breakfasts and parades to duck races and fireworks.
“This festival is a huge point of pride for the Three Rivers community,” said Christy Trammell, president and CEO of the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s about togetherness, celebration, and creating memories. It’s a flagship event that brings residents and visitors together while also raising funds to support local initiatives and business programming.”
The festivities begin Thursday, June 12, with food vendors, the carnival midway, and open house events at the Sue Silliman House Museum and St. Joseph County Historical Society. The annual street parade, sponsored by Bird, Scheske, Reed, Beemer & George PC, steps off at 7 p.m. through downtown, followed by monster truck rides near the city parking lot.
On Friday, activities expand with the Arts & Crafts Marketplace at Scidmore Park, a soap box derby for kids ages 7 to 13, and a corn hole tournament downtown. One of the evening’s highlights is the Silent Disco, sponsored by Horizon Bank, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the downtown district.
Saturday’s schedule includes a pancake breakfast hosted by local firefighters, the Turtle Derby, a classic car and motorcycle show, and the popular duck race at Scidmore Park. Other events include a kids zone sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, a summer fly-in at 1900 Hov Aire Drive, and outdoor yoga near the petting zoo.
Evening entertainment will feature live music from the Kalamazoo Concert Band and a main stage performance by Derek Winter from 8 to 10 p.m. The festival closes with a fireworks display over Memory Isle Park, synchronized to music and sponsored by Sturgis Bank and Trust.
The Chamber anticipates strong turnout, including visitors from neighboring counties. Proceeds from the event support Chamber programming and economic development efforts.
For a full schedule and updates, visit the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Rain dates are June 13 for the parade and June 16 for the fireworks show.
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